2004 looks set to see the launch of a positive challenge which could pave the way for a new community centre in Alton.

In a firm show of support for Alton Community AssociationÕs (ACA) determination to work towards providing a community centre Òfit for the 21st centuryÓ, Alton Town Council has committed itself to becoming actively involved in a partnership to determine the best way forward.

The decision to fight for an even better facility follows last yearÕs revelation that the centre was in dire financial difficulties and under threat of closure.

A report was subsequently commissioned by HCC and EHDC to review community facilities in Alton and the findings were quite clear. While Alton Community Centre is badly in need of repair and modernisation, it is considered a valued resource in the town and it is hard to see how users could be accommodated elsewhere if it were to close.

The review has been received with mixed feelings by ACA whose role as centre managers received some harsh, and it was felt, unjustified criticism.

In an address to Alton Town Council, ACA chairman Pat Lerew said: ÒWe were pleased to see, on the positive side, that we have a widely valued resource, that the centreÕs staffing, services and range of facilities are highly regarded, and that the 80 plus groups which use the centre regularly would be unhappy if we were to close. Indeed, some might not survive its closure.Ó

However, the ACA she said had been ÒsurprisedÓ to be likened to a working menÕs institute and refuted totally the criticism that it had fallen back on the Òrelatively easy optionÓ of becoming a facilities manager for the building.

ÒFor a start, no one could possibly consider managing the community centre building an easy option, and secondly the ACA has always had an active involvement in making sure that social, educational and welfare activities are successful.Ó

Members were frustrated, too, at being accused of lack of vision, that their purpose was unclear and that they were in some disarray.

She added: ÒOur future is only uncertain in as much as there is a question mark hanging over our building. We are as committed to serving the community as ever.Ó

The review had thrown up four possible solutions - the first option was to redevelop and refurbish the existing community centre, the second was to build on vacant land alongside the new library - a site considered too small; alternatively to build a new centre in part of the Bank car park, or fourthly to abandon the building altogether and for the ACA to manage a ÒvirtualÓ community centre using existing facilities within the town.

The next step is to identify and cost out the preferred option and to identify sources of funding - a move in which Alton Town Council intends, it says, to play a full and active role.