3rd February 2012

CREWKERNE: Plan for more space at Henhayes Centre

TOWN councillors have given their blessing to a £120,000 expansion of the Henhayes Centre in the middle of Crewkerne.

Gathering for their monthly meeting last week, they signalled their approval for a scheme that will result in a 17 per cent increase in the footprint of the community centre, which hosts dozens of social events and activities for the over-55s every month.

The application states: “It is proposed to extend the existing entrance canopy in order to provide a fully enclosed entrance lobby with dual access doors, with the repositioning of the entrance providing greater visibility.

“The extension allows a much improved reception area and an additional multi-function room to the side.

“The relocation of the reception area frees up space to create additional room for much needed storage.

“A separate enclosed external bin store will also be provided adjacent to the extension.”

Henhayes trustee Chairman Rosemary Prince urged town councillors to support the scheme when she addressed them during the public forum session at the start of their meeting.

She said: “We are applying for this for four reasons.

“First, heat loss. We’ve had difficulty maintaining the heat during cold weather.

“Second, flood prevention. We have twice had floods. By moving the front door to the south, any floodwater should bypass the building.

“Storage - there’s a desperate need for storage space for equipment.

“More space - now that the centre is being used more, we need more space.”

She added that the new extension had also been designed to improve the look of the building.

And re-siting the main door from facing west to south should also “prevent people hanging around”.

“There will be less space for people to gather and loiter,” she said.

Some concern had been expressed about young people climbing on the proposed new bin store and into neighbouring property.

But Mrs Prince added: “The refuse bins will be locked with access from the front. And we are quite prepared to grow prickly shrubs, if necessary.”

She indicated that there was no immediate target date for the proposed works, adding: “We don’t have the money to do the proposed works, but we are seeking grant aid.

“We need planning permission first.”

• Town councillors signalled their support for the scheme. South Somerset District Council planners are due to decide the application by the middle of February.

CREWKERNE: Plan for more space at Henhayes Centre

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