News

Consultation begins on community venue proposals

Released on 15 January 2010

Surrey Heath Borough Council has started its consultation to ask service users, their carers and their families about the future options and enhancements proposed for community services in the borough.

The proposed changes are expected to save an estimated £300,000 per year by 2012 whilst transforming the Ian Goodchild Centre (IGC) into a multi-functional community venue, or hub, to meet the needs of all sections of the community, young and old.

A key feature of the IGC Community Hub proposal involves expanding the Windle Valley Centre in Bagshot from its current three days a week service to five days a week. This enhanced centre will continue to provide excellent high need care services, but will open for an extra two days a week and will give priority to service users with high needs.

The council is carrying out a comprehensive consultation to find out the views of existing customers of the IGC and Windle Valley about current and future services at both centres. Service users, their families and carers are being asked to complete and return their survey form by January 29, 2010.

This will be followed by a further consultation with the wider community and other interested groups on the IGC Community Hub, which is planned to start in the second half of February.

Cllr Moira Gibson, leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council said: "We are asking our IGC and Windle Valley customers about current and future services at both venues.

"We want to hear from all customers about services they currently use, as well as their views and ideas on the kind of new services and activities the IGC could offer in the future.

"All feedback will be gratefully received and no decisions will be made about the design and development of the IGC Community Hub until the consultation has been completed and all responses considered."

Anyone wanting further information or with any questions about the consultation should call Surrey Heath Borough Council on 01276 707100 or email: IGC.consultation@surreyheath.gov.uk