Lib Dem councillors rally to save Maidstone Civil Service Club from closure
Liberal Democrat councillors in Maidstone have united to support the Maidstone Civil Service Club, following an abrupt decision by the national Civil Service Sports Council that could see the much-loved community facility closed and its site vacated.
The club, based in Recreation Close, serves around 650 members and has become a well-used social and sporting hub for local residents and families. Members say they were shocked by the announcement and are now campaigning to protect the club’s future.
The Civil Service Sports Council has stated that the proposed closure forms part of a wider strategic review of its estate. It says the decision was taken following legal advice and is intended to ensure its overall property portfolio is safe, compliant and financially sustainable for the future.
Local Liberal Democrat councillors, however, believe the decision puts a hugely important community asset at risk.
Cllr Dave Naghi said he had personal experience of the club and the role it plays in the town, describing it as a “huge asset” that must remain open. He also raised concerns about the future of the site if the club were forced to close.
Cllr Tony Harwood highlighted the club’s unique history, explaining that the clubhouse was built brick-by-brick in the 1960s by local people, many of them staff from nearby HM Prison Maidstone.
He said the club has since hosted countless community events and continues to provide an essential social and recreational space for local families.
Cllr Geoffrey Samme added that the decision to seek the club’s dissolution and eviction appeared to have been taken without any warning or consultation with local residents. Having lived close to the club for most of his life, he said he was fully aware of its importance to the local community and strongly supported the campaign to keep it open.
Alongside Lib Dem colleague Richard Conyard, the councillors have written formally to the local Member of Parliament, Helen Grant, asking her to intervene and help secure the club’s future.
In their letter, the councillors argue that, because of the historic ownership of the land and the circumstances surrounding the club’s establishment, the local MP has significant influence and an important role to play in protecting the site for community use.
They also point to a previous case in Bristol where a Civil Service sports club faced closure and was ultimately saved following direct engagement by the local MP with ministers and the Civil Service.
Club chairman Graeme Riley says the club is financially viable, well-attended and firmly rooted in the community. He has confirmed that the club intends to challenge the decision and is preparing for a potential legal battle to defend its right to remain.
To help raise awareness of the campaign, local Liberal Democrats have also produced a short video featuring councillors and the club’s story, which is now available to watch and share on YouTube.https://youtube.com/shorts/KO64P98dpmw?feature=share
Local Liberal Democrats are urging residents to stand with the club and support the campaign to protect this historic and thriving community facility, which they say should remain in the hands of local people for generations to come.
