Bracknell

A Harmans Water, Bracknell church could be upgraded to provide improved facilities for both worshippers and members of the community.

Members of St Paul’s United Reformed Church, in Harmans Water Road, and Bracknell Forest Borough Council have signed a statement of intent to work together and explore sources of funding. The statement was signed at a ceremony at the church earlier this month.

Local Bracknell residents and the church congregation will be consulted and involved in the process, which would see the existing facilities upgraded for multiple uses.

Ward councillors Trevor Kensall, Shelagh Pile and Chris Turrell have been working to obtain funding for some new community facilities and are looking forward to working with the church through the statement of intent.

The Council and the Harmans Water Community Association have agreed to close the existing community centre in March. It was felt the centre’s 1960s design was not meeting the needs of the community which meant there is only a small number of people using the facilities – who will now relocate to the church or other facilities.

Church Secretary Alistair Telfer said: "This is a great opportunity to provide a facility which benefits both the Church and the residents here in Harmans Water. St Paul’s Church has over the years become increasingly involved in the local community with its youth work.

"The United Reformed Church, alongside the Church of England – who also worship in our building – are committed to providing a community based church.”

Chairman of the Harmans Water Community Association James Wolff said: "There will be some disappointment about the closure of the community centre as it has played an important part in the life of the local community for many years.

”We recognised that the centre was in decline and could not continue as it was. Under these circumstances, it makes good sense to make better use of the facilities available at St Paul’s Church.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The Harmans Water Community Centre has served the residents of Harmans Water very well for many years, but does not meet the current access standards or the needs of the community.

”Working with St Paul’s Church provides the opportunity to pool our resources to provide a modern facility which will meet the needs and aspirations of the congregation of St Paul’s and the residents of Harmans Water.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council