A COUNCIL has taken possession of a community centre with immediate effect following a series “of serious, unanswered, safeguarding concerns”.

Adur District Council has taken temporary possession of Fishersgate Community Centre until issues surrounding the centre are resolved.

The action has been taken after six months of discussions between the council and the Fishersgate Community Association over what the authority describes as “fundamental issues” relating to the safe and effective use of the centre.

Concerns have been raised about the association not having a clear safeguarding policy for volunteers running activities from the centre as well as background checks for all centre trustees. The council has also raised concerns about “unacceptable instances” of underage drinking.

In March police were called in to shut down a 16th birthday party that had got out of control.

As part of the temporary possession order, Adur District Council will invest more than £30,000 in the centre and neighbouring Fishersgate Recreation Ground. The investment will pay for removing temporary fencing, repairing the land and allotment on the site, installing new fire doors and creating access for a new children’s play area due to be completed in the summer.

Cllr Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, said: “When there are issues relating to the safety of young or vulnerable people, the council has an absolute obligation - legally and morally - to act.

“Over the past six months, we have tried to resolve our safeguarding concerns without having to resort to the more drastic measure of moving in, changing the locks and employing a security firm to guard the building. “It is regrettable that we are now in this situation, but the Council is committed to ensuring that the appropriate measures are in place to protect everyone using the centre.

“If every unfortunate situation has a silver lining, the positive outcome here will not only be better safeguarding procedures but a dramatically improved environment around the Centre and across the whole Fishersgate Recreation Ground. “We have been negotiating with the FCA to move the centre’s fence for over a year - now that we are able to do this, we’re also unlocking thousands of pounds of additional investment for a new children’s playground.

“By the time we’re able to return the Centre to the FCA, the whole area will have seen the benefits of the investment that we’re bringing to Fishersgate.

“In the meantime, our officers are working with the community groups who were using the Centre to find them alternative accommodation while the lease issues are resolved and the improvement works are completed.”