Community center leaders accuse Church of Scotland of betrayal amid safety concerns.
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The Church of Scotland is currently embroiled in a controversy after attempting to evict the St George’s Community Centre from its premises in Tillydrone. This decision has sparked outrage among community leaders, who have accused the church of betrayal, likening its actions to those of Judas Iscariot.
Background of the dispute
The St George’s Community Centre, located on Hayton Road, has been a vital resource for the local community since it opened in 1971. However, the Church of Scotland has deemed the building unsafe for use, citing a health and safety report that highlighted serious water damage and structural issues.
The church claims that the roof is beyond repair, with an estimated replacement cost of £500,000, a figure that is deemed unaffordable.
Despite these claims, the community center has continued to operate, leading the church to initiate legal proceedings to remove the center’s staff from the building. The church also plans to sell the property, further intensifying tensions between the two parties.
Community center’s response
In response to the church’s actions, the board of the St George’s Community Centre has accused the Church of Scotland of leaving the community “in the lurch.” They assert that they were not made aware of the alleged safety issues prior to leasing the building and have disputed the church’s claims regarding the roof’s condition. Independent contractors reportedly provided them with a more affordable quote for repairs, contradicting the church’s assertions.
Community leaders have expressed their determination to fight for the center, describing the church’s actions as an “injustice.” They have criticized the lack of communication from the church, stating that they made numerous attempts to engage with church officials regarding the situation.
Church’s justification for eviction
The Church of Scotland has defended its decision to evict the community center, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of users is their top priority. They claim that the decision was not made lightly and was necessary to protect the community from potential harm. The church has also stated that they were unaware of the roof’s condition before leasing the building to the community center.
Furthermore, church representatives have clarified that a lease transferring repair responsibilities to the community center was never finalized. They argue that if such a lease had been agreed upon, the community center would be responsible for all repairs and insurance, which they currently are not.
Community’s resilience
The St George’s Community Centre has become a beacon of hope for the Tillydrone community, which is recognized as one of the most deprived areas in Scotland. Community leaders are rallying support to ensure the center remains operational, emphasizing its importance as a local resource.
As the dispute continues, the community is prepared to stand firm against the church’s actions, advocating for their right to maintain a space that has served them for decades. The situation highlights the broader issues of community resources, safety, and the responsibilities of organizations that serve the public.
