18/05/2025
Response to the Statement from the Chair of Cheswardine Parish Council Regarding the Community Hub
As a local campaigner for Cheswardine, and The Wrekin as a whole, I’d like to thank the Parish Council for their continued service to the community, and for clarifying their position on the sudden closure of the Community Hub. However, I understand that many residents feel deeply disappointed by the way this matter has been handled and wish to raise the following points constructively:
1. Demand for Transparency
The statement references “feedback” and “recent instances” of misuse by individuals from outside the parish, including items such as inappropriate DVDs, knives, and broken glass.
These are serious claims. If they have been documented, we ask the Council to provide evidence, such as:
• Reports from the volunteers indicating frequency and dates.
• Any identifiable evidence showing the items were left by individuals from outside the parish.
One can understand entirely if this has been going on for a long period of time, and documented. Whilst warning residence regularly in the process.
Without transparency, these claims risk painting an unfair picture of both local users and neighbouring communities, and may be seen as a justification for a decision many feel was rushed.
2. Value to Local Residents
The hub was much more than a donation point, it was a symbol of their community spirit, mutual support, and sustainability.
Most users were responsible, and many residents took pride in maintaining it. If a small number of individuals misused it, that should not result in the entire closure without warning or consultation.
3. Request for Consultation Before Closure
It is concerning that such a significant community resource could be closed down without public consultation, especially given that alternative measures (e.g. clearer signage, or cameras could have been trialled first.
4. Safeguarding Should Be Proportionate and Balanced
We agree entirely that the safety of children is paramount. But rather than full closure, a safer redesign or more structured management of the space should have been considered. We believe most residents would have supported extra safeguarding steps if given the opportunity to help.
5. Future of the Hub – Let Residents Help Decide
If the Council is genuine in its desire to reintroduce the hub, we urge you to open a formal consultation or public meeting to allow residents and volunteers to shape its return. This would foster collaboration, not division. I must remind you that you work for the community, not the other way around.
6. Knives in local are a grave concern. If these could be knives used for crime it is a serious issue. What is the local council, and the wider council doing to prevent local knife crime?
Are local children being made aware on the dangers of carrying a knife.
7. You mention singling out of certain people. That would be Cllr Bentley who you are talking about. As the elected Councillor for Cheswardine, I feel strongly that he is to be made aware of such local issues.
At the time of my initial contact, both public and otherwise, I was not aware that he remained in the Parish Council. This to me is a contradiction, and could lead abuse of powers either in favour or against the specific village of Cheswardine.
He must resign from the parish, in order to maintain a distance from local parish matters.
In conclusion, while safeguarding and sustainability are important, decisions like this should be made transparently and inclusively. A blanket closure without solid evidence or prior discussion risks undermining trust between the Council and the very residents it serves.
We respectfully request that the Parish Council reconsiders its approach and includes the wider community in planning the next steps for the hub.
Stronger warnings and signage being one such meassure.
Having more, and regular voluntary involvement in its management would also help.
Sincerely,
Andy
AndrewRadford.co.uk
