‘It is cowardly’ - South Shields MP slams plans to demolish and redevelop Brinkburn CIO
The Member of Parliament for South Shields has hit out at South Tyneside Council’s plans to demolish Brinkburn CIO.
The South Shields MP has slammed South Tyneside Council’s proposals to demolish Brinkburn CIO as part of a wider redevelopment of the site.
The Council revealed the plans for the centre, on Harton Lane, on Wednesday, November 4, as part of the local authority taking action on a number of long-running community asset transfer arrangements that remain unresolved.
As a result of the proposals, many community organisations now face an uncertain future regarding where they could be based in just three months time.
‘It is not acceptable’
Emma Lewell, the South Shields MP, has expressed her shock at the proposals and branded it as “cowardly”.
Ms Lewell said: “I was shocked to learn of the closure of Brinkburn Community Centre and the uncertain future of All Saints CA.
“If there have been outstanding business issues, councillors past and present should have been acting robustly on behalf of their residents to resolve these.
“It is not acceptable to now place the responsibility for these decisions onto officers of the council - this is not leadership and it is cowardly.
“Reform’s Cabinet members have known about these issues since July. Ask your councillors what they did to prevent this situation.”
‘This is not the first time I have stood up for Brinkburn and All Saints’
The South Shields MP has also vowed to stand up for her constituents who use both the Brinkburn and All Saints centres, as well as calling for Reform councillors to listen to residents.
She added: “Under Reform leadership, in a matter of weeks, they are closing 10 nurseries and have now turned their sights on these much-needed community centres.
“Reform claimed that they brought business experience and acumen to the council - evidently not.
“In reality, they target those who need public services the most and they certainly don’t understand the value of these centres.
“They have not stepped in to help them.
“This is not the first time I have stood up for Brinkburn and All Saints, but the difference is that the last time, Labour listened and acted.”
‘Responsible stewardship of Council property and public money’
Earlier this week, Cllr Susan Sybenga, Lead Member for Finance and Resources at South Tyneside Council, gave an insight into why the local authority has taken the decision to carry out action over the unsolved asset arrangements.
She said: “Community buildings are important, but they cannot operate without proper governance, clear responsibilities and sustainable finances.
“These buildings are public assets, and the Council has a clear responsibility to make sure they are managed properly, safely and sustainably.
“We have been incredibly patient and there has been ample time and opportunities for these issues to be resolved, but public assets cannot be left in uncertain or unsustainable arrangements indefinitely.
“This is about responsible stewardship of Council property and public money. It is also about being fair.
“Fair to taxpayers, fair to other organisations that have put proper arrangements in place, and fair to the communities who need clarity about the future of these buildings.”
South Tyneside Council wants to hear from community groups who use the Brinkburn, Clegwell or All Saints Community Associations to understand their activities, requirements, support or alternative accommodation they may need.
Groups are encouraged to complete a short form at: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/communitygroups and they can also use the form to request direct contact from a Council officer.
The Shields Gazette has contacted the South Tyneside Reform UK group for a comment.