A FORMER Boscombe arts centre is to be turned into offices for social services and other organisations working with children and families – despite impassioned pleas from angry campaigners and councillors.

After hearing from a deputation who argued that the former Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts building should to be transformed into a community centre, civic leaders yesterday approved plans for an integrated services hub in Haviland Road.

Cabinet members also agreed that negotiations should continue with the Friends of the BCCA in a bid to develop a community arts facility on the site and instructed council officers to “develop a co-ordinated strategy to continue the good work that has happened in Boscombe over recent years”.

A deputation, on behalf of the Friends of the BCCA, outlined their business plan for a community arts centre, stressing that it would “increase social cohesion,” raise aspirations and help curb antisocial behaviour.

They warned that the council was planning to take away “a symbol of hope” and that a decision on the building’s future would “live long in the psyche of the electorate.”

Moving the officers’ recommendations, council deputy leader John Beesley said: “There have been some major challenges in Boscombe. We have got the opportunity to utilise a government grant of £2.3 million.

“We must not allow that opportunity to slip through our fingers; if it is viable we will continue to work with the Friends to deliver community arts facilities.”

But Cllr Mike Everingham said: “This matter has raised such a lot of concern.

“I think we need a consultation to measure the public’s true feelings.”

Cllr Linda Bailey voiced concerns about where the 100 workers employed at the administrative offices would park.

Cllr Chris Wakefield said local residents were worried that the hub would be used for rehabilitation purposes.

He added: “We don’t want to bring more people with addictions to Boscombe.”

Cllr Christoper Rochester warned that the issue was “a hornets’ nest” and urged the council to consult the public before a final decision.

But council leader, Stephen MacLoughlin, said it was “a win-win situation”, particularly for the people of Boscombe.

The decision is likely to be rubber-stamped on Tuesday at the next full council meeting.