The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) has been working with Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) to open a community space for Moorland & Fordgate. As a result of the recent flooding the village hall is unusable and undergoing a huge refurbishment. Whilst the residents are dealing with the flood recovery there was a recognised need for a welcoming community space somewhere for residents. Local resident Adrian Dunbar organised a free facility from Portakabin. SDC arranged for the mobile unit to be set up and CCS have kitted the Hub out and are managing the facility.
Now open and available to the residents the Moorland & Fordgate Community Hub is a space to find information, chat, have some time out, meet organisations, ask questions, meet with neighbours and have a cuppa. There is a main room with tea & coffee facilities and a meeting/quiet room for one-to-one meetings with an on-site booking system. You can find grant information sheets, dates and times for the flood relief centre and information on the Somerset Village Agents working in your area.
CCS have been inspired by the local generosity and support they received from businesses and organisations; Asda, B&Q, Staples, Dunelm, Wilkinsons, Somerset County Council, Brandon Tool Hire, PJ Signs and the North Petherton Bowls Club who donated all the items necessary to allow the space to be properly utilised.
CCS Chief Executive Katherine Armstrong said: “This space really is for the residents to utilise whilst many are unable to use the basic utilities in their homes and are dealing with the clean-up. The Hub is a place packed with information to support the community at this difficult time and a bright welcoming space to take a break and meet up with friends”.
Sedgemoor District Ward Councillors Anne Fraser, John Swayne and Alan Bradford commented: “We welcome the provision of the Community Hub to Moorland which will provide a meeting place for residents and those still awaiting the time when their homes will once again be habitable”.