Commenting on Coast and Country Housing’s planning application to convert the long standing Luke Senior Community Centre in Rosedale Crescent, Loftus, into housing, Tom Blenkinsop, Labour Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Said:
“Loftus residents have my support in opposing this application. The hall is a well-used facility for older people in the West of Loftus and in the heart of the housing estate. There are no nearby similar facility, meaning that some user groups will either have to find alternative venues or fold.
“Luke Senior Hall is a life line for older people and is an integral part of their community as well as a well-used polling station for elections. Darts, tombola, coffee mornings are all part of the daily life of this hall.
“If the application is successful Coast and Country will have closed community halls in the neighbouring villages of Loftus and Easington in five years, damaging both communities. Luke Senior Hall is too precious to lose and I have asked Coast and Country withdraw their application until a proper consultation can take place and residents’ concerns can be taken into account.”