Montague Hall Consultation

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Ruth Cadbury MP is urging local residents to give their views on proposals to change Montague Hall from a public hall to be used as an adult substance misuse recovery service.

The building, in Montague Road, Hounslow, is currently available for community use, but is primarily occupied by Age UK Hounslow.

Age UK Hounslow will be re-locating in early February 2018 to the Southville Community Centre, where there will be more space to accommodate this service and more community groups and events.

Ruth Cadbury MP said:

"I am very worried - Montague Hall is used 4 days a week for the very active Age UK, on Fridays for prayers, and evenings and weekends for a range of other community activities.

"I would need to be convinced there are adequate alternatives - and am not sure there are. There is a real deficit of accessible safe community facilities especially in Hounslow Town Centre."

People have until Wednesday 6 December to have their say as the Council explores all options.

Montague Hall was identified as a potential venue as it is smaller and only a short walk from the current premises. It will also mean the Council will be able to save around £150,000 and keep it running as a frontline service.

A drug and alcohol support service has specific needs in regards to a building, with confidentiality and exclusive access vital. This means that shared premises are not practical.

Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Hounslow Council, said: "This is something we want residents to have their say on as we want to look at every aspect of the proposals for all of the community.

"The change of use would mean a significant saving for the Council, which will allow us to provide this valuable service.

"We also want to ensure there is as little as possible impact on the community as a whole. With Age UK Hounslow's move to the Southville Centre, there will be more scope for community groups to use that centre than there was at Montague Hall."

To submit your views, please visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/consultations