Campaigners present case to transform Linslade's Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre into community hub

The building’s future has still to be decided by Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC), although a report is due to be completed within the next few days, a meeting heard.

There were 1,895 signatures on an e-petition to protect the premises earlier this year. It closed in June, when the new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre opened at Clipstone.

Five residents established Tiddenfoot Collective community interest company (CIC) in the belief the property on Mentmore Road could become a community hub encouraging ‘creativity, culture, movement and wellbeing’.

Luna, representing the organisation, told CBC’s corporate resources overview and scrutiny committee: “The building stands vacant with no clear strategy or vision for preserving the registered community asset.

“Can a town experiencing significant growth truly afford to lose a valuable community infrastructure that has served generations of local residents?” she asked. “This is why we believe Tiddenfoot deserves serious consideration as part of the town’s long-term regeneration strategy.

“An expression of interest was put forward by the Tiddenfoot Collective in September to acquire and operate the building as a ‘meanwhile’ community space, while the council considers its long-term plans.

“The new leisure centre is oversubscribed already. We feel it’s unfair many people are unable to access the facilities through either its location, disability or availability.

“It’s unclear whether the council fulfilled its obligations for the local area when preparing the business plan for the new centre, while failing to indicate what would become of Tiddenfoot.

“That’s currently falling into a state of disrepair and could lead to unbudgeted costs for the council on security and hoardings. We wonder on what grounds Linslade no longer needs leisure facilities.

“It’s about protecting community assets, recognising local ambition and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of a growing town. Tiddenfoot is an asset of high community value of almost 50 years of service.

“It deserves a future, not an indefinite period of neglect. We ask the council to work with us to make that future happen.”

Independent Biggleswade West councillor Steve Watkins replied: “We acknowledge the expression of interest submitted by the Tiddenfoot Collective CIC.

“Since the closure of the centre, the council has been considering a range of options for the site’s future, while assessing its commercial viability in longer-term strategic use.

“That includes whether another service of the council wants to take over the building. This is detailed work involving a range of property, financial and service considerations.

“No decision has been made yet regarding its future use, although a report should be ready in the next week outlining options that I’ll consider as executive member for assets, business and housing.

“Should it be made available for ‘meanwhile’ use, this would be advertised and managed through our established process to ensure all interested community groups are treated fairly and equally.

“We recognise you’re keen to understand the site’s future. Until such time as it’s offered for ‘meanwhile’ use, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to share any maintenance costs or surveys.

“If that decision is made, we’d work closely with you to share all the information you need, so you’ve the best opportunity to make a case for taking over the building.”