PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION UNLESS YOU LIVE IN THE BOROUGH OF ELMBRIDGE AS YOUR SIGNATURES CAN NOT BE COUNTED

We protest at Elmbridge Borough Council’s proposed plan to give up its control of the running and management of the Thames Ditton Centre for the Community handing it over to a third party. We petition Elmbridge Borough Council to retain control, management and running of the Thames Ditton Centre and halt the decline of this facility, safeguarding its future.

Despite being run down by Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) the Thames Ditton Centre remains vital for the wellbeing of the Thames Ditton community offering a range of clubs, activities and services which provide support and friendship helping to combat loneliness, isolation, bereavement etc. However, this facility is now in serious peril. Remember this site with car park is on the Local Plan for 18 houses.

WHY SHOULD YOU SIGN THIS PETITION?

EBC is proposing to give up its control, running and management, handing it over to a third party. This will lead to a very uncertain future/ potential closure.

The Thames Ditton Centre has not had a manager for almost FOUR YEARS! In that time it has steadily declined with no promotion, or advertising.

The Centre is only open 2 days a week – Mondays and Thursdays – it would be used far more if it was open every day with more activities, clubs and services.

The bistro style coffee shop furniture purchased with grant funding, bought to attract residents disappeared after Covid! The coffee shop is NOT advertised so residents don’t know about it.

The Centre no longer offers snacks or light lunches.

EBC is deliberately turning away new user groups and hirers.  It refuses to open on Farmers’ Market Saturdays (and other weekends). Why is this?

To use the Centre’s facilities you have to buy a Membership. Why can’t residents just pop in, buy a coffee and enjoy the amenity space with friends? The Centre claims to be a designated warm hub but it isn’t catering for residents who need this service.

The Centre looks neglected and unloved – where is the bright, welcoming signage?

Thames Ditton & Weston Green Residents’ Association (RA) EBC and local Lib-Dem Councillors are not supporting this campaign. Residents’ concerns are not being published in local magazines and the RA has refused to hold a public meeting.

If this Centre for the Community goes, others in Elmbridge will surely follow.

PLEASE NOTE: once you have clicked on “Sign this petition” you will be given two options: 

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Any money you contribute will not go towards this campaign.