We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the recent community consultation meeting regarding the future of the old pensioners hut. Your presence, engagement, and valuable contributions made the event a resounding success. Thank you to Mrs Keane for providing a history of the pensioners hut and the offer to provide an interview. It is much appreciated.
During the meeting, we witnessed a fantastic exchange of ideas and concerns that underscored the deep-rooted connection and care our community has for its surroundings. Many of you voiced your frustration and disappointment over the deteriorating condition of the hut, describing it as an “eye sore”.
Pensioners hut condition report
A condition survey of the pensioners hut was conducted and presented at the meeting. IN summary:
The report has provided 3 recommendations:
- Immediate Demolition: Given the extent of deterioration and safety hazards identified, it is recommended to proceed with the immediate demolition of the hut to mitigate risks to public safety and prevent further deterioration.
2. Site Cleanup and Remediation: Following demolition, the site should undergo thorough cleanup and remediation to remove debris, hazardous materials, and overgrown vegetation, restoring it to a safe and usable condition.
3. Future Development: With the hut removed, there is an opportunity to explore redevelopment options for the site, such as the construction of a new community facility or green space that better serves the needs of the community.
The report concluded that condition assessment of the pensioners hut reveals severe deterioration and safety hazards that necessitate urgent intervention. Demolition and remediation of the site are recommended to mitigate risks and pave the way for future redevelopment. By addressing these issues proactively, we can ensure the safety and well-being of the community while revitalising the surrounding area for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Your feedback
We heard loud and clear your concerns regarding the lack of recreational and developmental opportunities for our young people. The absence of a youth club and accessible training programs was a recurring theme, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that empower and engage our youth. Your dedication to the well-being and future prospects of our younger generation is inspiring.
Amidst these challenges, it was great to see the creativity and enthusiasm with which you proposed solutions and ideas. Suggestions ranged from re-establishing the old youth club to creating a community space serving food to draw in young people. The emphasis on providing training and skill-building opportunities for youth further demonstrates our collective commitment to fostering growth and empowerment within our community.
Action plan
Plans for the remediation and cleanup of the site will be agreed, with a focus on removing debris, hazardous materials, and overgrown vegetation to restore the area to a safe and usable condition. There are considerable costs for waste removal and disposal in addition to the ‘making safe’ of the live electrical and water supply in the hut. We will be therefore seeking contributions from qualified companies and electricians to accomplish this task.
Within the next 2 weeks we will be gathering further feedback, ideas and input of what you would like to see in place of hut once it has been demolished. This meeting will be organised and take place in January 2024.
So until then let us please wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and that you for all of your input. It is very much appreciated.