4 January 2015

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Wallis Centre, which is owned by West Sussex District Council,  is to close at the end of March when the town centre site behind Chequer Mead is likely to be redeveloped for housing.

The centre, which has been home to various community and youth groups including Guides, Brownies and the town’s Nautical Training Corps, has been under threat of closure since last Spring when it was declared surplus to the operational requirements of WSCC.

Since that time the Town Council has worked closely with WSCC to ensure all the regular hirers were found alternative premises, and 11 of the 12 have done so.

The remaining hirer, the Jack and Jill Pre-school, has had its lease extended until the end of March while  its discussions with other possible hire venues are on-going.

But Sue Gilding, who runs the pre-school, says its future is secure, and the business will not close.

Town Clerk Julie Holden said: “East Grinstead Town Council remains sorry that the building is no longer being used for youth service.  We have open dialogue with WSCC concerning ongoing youth provision which we shall monitor.”