A GROUP aiming to transform the former Park Street Infants School into a social hub and community centre is urging the community to get behind the scheme as it enters its final stages.

"When Park Street Infants School closed in 2005 a group of committed local people saw a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a social hub where locals skills can be used to help ourselves," explained Laurie Jones and Councillor Marion Pearse, two of the local residents behind the scheme.

"In 2006 we launched a campaign called Abergavenny Community Centre (ACC Ltd) and set about galvanising local support for a secular centre that would serve the town and hinterland.

"In 2006 the town council which was in place at the time decided to support the venture and provided funds to carry out a feasibility study.

"Over a period of five years the project has fostered strong local support and as more people realise our wider connection to 'the big society' the more relevant and necessary the need for community hubs where people can help themselves has become.

"As well as from people wishing to use the centre to grow their own enterprise ideas the campaign has attracted support from local architect, surveyor, building & electrical, accountancy and renewable energy firms all wishing to use the centre to give something back.

" Right here in Abergavenny we are facing social fallout from a slash in public spending, job losses and cuts to existing social services. When the bread basket is empty it is crucial that people have access to land and buildings because if we do not, then the notion of a big society where people can help each other a themselves will be snatched away with every loss of public building and green space," said Mr Jones.

Although the building was due to be auctioned off in 2009, after considerable pressure from a variety of sources, Monmouthshire County Council withdrew the building from sale at auction in order to give the group one financial year to explore possible funds through Big Lottery's Community Asset Transfer programme.

However late last year the group heard that the bid had been unsuccessful.

"MCC is asking Abergavenny Community Centre Ltd for £350,000 to purchase the building but our stumbling block to securing funds is that ACC Ltd neither owns or holds a lease on the building," explained Mr Jones.

"MCC has Outline Planning permission to build 12 houses and convert the school to flats and Abergavenny Community Centre Ltd has outline permission to convert the building into a community-enterprise centre. Members of the planning committee in County Hall echoed the need for such a centre in Abergavenny,"?he said.

"As this project concerns everybody in the town - and is inextricably linked to the town's prosperity, sustainability and resilience to withstand future threats - like the fastest growing ageing population in Wales and future food and energy security - a special town council meeting is be held on Thursday, January 20 at 7pm in the council chambers at Abergavenny Town Hall,?"said Councillor Pearse.

During this meeting councillors will consider a proposal to help fund the project and make a financial contribution towards the purchase price of the building.

"We would like councillors to consider what a difference this could make to the local group which is working to unlock funds for public benefit. Please be at this pivotal meeting to see local democracy in action,"?said Mr Jones.