Groups can use Telford community centre on 'trial basis'
Groups can start using a Telford community centre on a trial basis, but have been told they might “stop at short notice” if social distancing guidance changes.
The Sambrook Centre, in Stirchley, has been open for visitors since July but multiple-person meetings remain suspended.
In a report for members, acting Stirchley and Brookside Parish Council clerk Sam Middleton says three groups have completed coronavirus risk assessments and proposes they start using the Grange Avenue venue again.
She adds that some arts and crafts groups want to meet again but this is probably “inadvisable” because of attendees’ ages.
In July, Mrs Middleton told a parish council committee that the Sambrook Centre’s library was open for limited hours and staff were available for one-to-one enquiries at other times.
As things stood then, Mrs Middleton said, “there doesn’t seem to be any way we can have groups back on”. Attendees would have had to remain socially distanced from anyone outside their household or “support bubble”.
Councillors agreed not to allow group meetings at the time.
In a new report, she writes that “guidance has not changed significantly” since then.
“However,” she adds, “the need and want for some groups to restart has. I have received several requests from groups who wish to restart, and they are being considered on a group-by-group basis.”
She writes that a four-person disability support and discussion group, a Scout group and a “small, socially-distanced” tai-chi class are line up to have trial meetings in the Sambrook Centre, if member approve.
“All of the groups above have the correct paperwork and risk assessments in place and are aware that, if legislation or government advice changes, they may have to stop at short notice,” she writes.
“Some of our vocational groups – mainly art and craft groups – would like to meet and have small numbers, but they are over 70 so, at present, I don’t think it would be advisable for them to start up again.”
The Funzone youth club, whose attendees come from three schools in the area, used to meet in the centre, but Ms Middleton writes that its organisers “think this may be unworkable” at the moment as the children would not want to stay in “bubbles” as required.
“They will, however, be doing some outreach work in the area, meeting the children, possibly giving them a drink and catching up with them,” she adds.
