Cranford residents are being asked to give their views on a new Community Hub, which will bring support closer to where they live.
Published: Tuesday, 3rd September 2024
The new Community Hub will be based at Meadowbank on Community Close. Under the proposal, agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in May, Cranford Library will relocate to the building, which will continue to host adult education services. It will also improve access to support and advice on topics such as housing, finance and welfare, health and wellbeing, and opportunities for employment and skills development.
The Meadowbank site follows a Community Hub being established in June on the nearby Beavers Estate. This sees the existing children centre and library building utilised by Council teams and partners such as the Department of Work and Pensions and voluntary sector organisations.
Also, this summer, the Council partnered with Cranford Community College and housing association A2Dominion to pilot a Community Hub near the Redwood Estate. This supported an existing holiday activity programme with help and advice from Council teams and voluntary sector partners such as Citizen’s Advice Hounslow and Golden Opportunities Skills and Development.
To shape the development of the new Community Hub at Meadowbank the Council wants to hear from local residents. It’s launched an on-line and paper survey, and will be providing opportunities for face-to-face discussion.
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, said:
This exciting proposal will make it even easier for Cranford residents to access the services they need. We know that many residents, often those most in need, really value face-to-face support - it can make all the difference to their lives.
Our plans for the new Community Hub at Meadowbank will bring together improved library services, adult education and a whole host of other information on matters including finances, housing concerns, jobs and skills, and health and wellbeing.
Making such support more accessible is particularly important in Cranford where we know many people are struggling and there are major inequalities. Creating a more equal borough where everyone can thrive is at the heart of our ambition as a Council, and our Community Hubs are helping us achieve that.
These Cranford initiatives are part of the Council’s broader ‘Localities approach’, where Council teams work side-by-side with voluntary and community organisations, health services and other partners to help residents access what they need where they live.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
I am delighted that Cranford residents will now benefit from an enhanced service in their local library – offering a range of support services under one roof.
I urge all local residents to have their say and help shape what the new Community Hub at Meadowbank becomes so it can best serve the needs of Cranford’s communities.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills, and Employment at Hounslow Council, said:
For many years now, the Meadowbank Centre has provided high-quality adult education services for local residents. By hosting library, adult education and support services in one place, the Meadowbank’s Centre is cementing its reputation as a pillar for the local community – bringing key services closer to home.
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