Foxhole Community Centre saved in 11th hour

Foxhole Community Centre has been saved from closure after volunteers, residents and councillors battled to repair its vandalised fire escape.

Landlords Torbay Council had said that without the repairs, which could cost up to £30,000, the main hall of the centre could not be used safely.

The community centre, which opened in the 1960s, had become a "lifeline" for the community, hosting everything from community events and parties to youth clubs and exercise classes for the disabled.

The fire escape at the back of the building, which was essential for safety, had been deteriorating for several years. After Torbay Council estimated the replacement costs to be over £30,000, the team of volunteers that runs Foxhole Community Centre knew that financial help was needed.

However, just before Christmas the fire escape was vandalised to the point of disrepair and the building was rendered almost completely unusable.

"That was the final blow," said Trevor Shepherd-Burridge, Chair of the Foxhole Community Centre.

"We received an email saying that we could have 20 people in the meeting room, which made most of the things we do impossible. Most people can’t use that room. We've got wheelchair users who do sports activities with us. You can't do that on a carpet. So that just threw a spanner in the works."

After the Christmas period, nothing had changed. With most events needing to be cancelled and the volunteer team unable to cover the bills, the fate of the centre looked sealed.

Trevor broke the news that Foxhole Community Centre would not be able to reopen in 2024.

He said: "It was horrible because we know that we were letting down so many different groups. But funding is so hard to find nowadays, we need to do something to keep ourselves self-sufficient."

After Trevor's announcement, there was an outpouring of support from residents across Torbay. Trevor added: "As much as it was nice to read all the comments, it was hard knowing that they were people that we were going to let down."

At the last minute, funding was found for a cheaper solution put forward by volunteers and helped by local tradesmen and businesses.

Torbay Council agreed to pay part of the bill, while councillors Jackie Thomas and Yvonne Twelves helped with almost £2,000 each from their community project spending funds.

Repairs are set to begin next week and Trevor hopes the centre will be up and running by the end of the month.

Trevor said: "It was a great effort by everyone involved. But a big thanks to Councillor Jackie Thomas for all the hours of chasing, pushing and relentless emails and phone calls she has made. She’s been working with us for months on getting the issue resolved and has been with us all the way.”

Councillor Jackie Thomas added: “Trevor and the team do such a great job at Foxhole Community Centre, to see the doors being closed was heartbreaking.

“You do what you can to help your community. I'm immensely proud of the King's Ash community, especially the volunteers at Foxhole. They do so much and deserve to do well. I just did my bit to help.”