Give Sobell a revamp

Published: 14 May, 2010

• NOW the political climate has changed the users of Sobell Centre would like to present a few concerns to the new administration. We would like Labour not to knock down the centre and to minimise the encroachment on the area – in other words, that Catherine West’s policy be upheld. It is reassuring to hear that Katie Dawson, Simon Toms and Paul Convery all want to retain the building. This in turn calls for the council to halt this relentless onslaught on Sobell’s existence.
The users have been neglected for far too long. The disparity between Sobell and other centres such as Highbury or Ironmonger Row should be ended. An annual maintenance budget should be allocated, boilers and showers fixed, a new ventilation system installed, cracked walls fixed and, most importantly, an internal revamp undertaken by expanding the floor space and getting rid of the excess cavity within the centre. Old and new users should be enticed with competitive prices.
It is imperative to have a better consultation with users. We will do everything possible to protect our Sobell.
LEE WARSAME
Sobell user representative