Public statement on the Recreation Centre Project

Chacewater Parish Council knows how important the Recreation Centre is to our community and understands the strength of feeling about where things currently stand. This is a project that matters deeply to the community, and to the Parish Council, and we recognise the frustration that has built up around it.

Following initial public consultation, the Parish Council secured external funding for the project and began delivery on that basis. As work progressed, the project was affected by contractor-related problems and by wider issues that disrupted the original delivery plan. The Parish Council then explored whether additional funding could be secured to help complete more of the scheme, but that did not ultimately result in the project being able to continue on the basis first envisaged. As a result, work slowed and then paused, and the Council has since been working through what is needed to establish a realistic and responsible next stage.

As a Parish Council, our focus is on moving the project forward so that the Centre can benefit the whole community as intended. That means weighing the available options carefully and making decisions that are appropriate, lawful and sustainable.

We acknowledge that the project has faced a number of significant challenges, including issues during delivery, changes in leadership and oversight, and a funding position that has become increasingly difficult and uncertain over time. These are substantial matters, and they have had a direct effect on progress, timescales and the complexity of the work still required.

We recognise that this has been a source of concern for many residents, particularly where progress has felt too slow or too unclear. The Parish Council also accepts that communication has not always been as clear or consistent as it should have been, and we understand that this has added to local concern.

Work is continuing to review the most appropriate way forward in terms of governance, funding and delivery. The Parish Council remains focused on identifying a route that is practical, responsible and in the best interests of the whole parish.

The Parish Council is keen to support a constructive conversation to move the project forward, rooted in a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for the whole parish. We will continue to provide updates on the project to the community.