GROWING concerns over the loss of a vital community facility in Somerford have prompted a generous response from the local housing association.

Sovereign Twynham, which has applied to demolish the community hall on the corner of Amethyst Road and Southey Road, plans to submit an application on Friday to refurbish the former United Reformed church hall and stage at the back of its Sovereign Response base also in Southey Road.

The move has come about following complaints and concerns from people in Somerford, including the local ward councillor, over the loss of such a vital central venue, which they say is regularly used for meetings and private parties.

A meeting held last week attracted around 60 members of the community who expressed concerns about a number of issues including the loss of the facility as well as whether it was really necessary for the housing association to have its main office in the centre of Somerford.

Grange ward councillor Denise Jones said: “People are very worried about this application. That is entirely evident from the meeting and it is difficult to comment on this new development until I have seen the plans.”

But the managing director of Sovereign Twynham, Marion Franks, said: “The alternative we are hoping to provide will give the residents of Somerford essentially two new facilities.

“We have listened to the concerns of local people and while we were always planning to go ahead with this application we are hoping it will gain planning approval fairly quickly so the work will be done by Christmas at the latest.

“Around £75,000 will be spent on making sure this facility is made usable for people by installing a new central heating system and sprucing up the look of the place.

“There may be some gap where work will be being carried out on both sites but we will try to ensure this is minimal.”