NEWS of the long-delayed reopening of the community centre at Goldwater Lodge was the focus of Goldsworth Park Community Association’s annual general meeting last week – despite the building’s nursery opening their doors on Friday, writes Royer Slater.

The busy building was badly damaged in an arson attack almost two years ago.

Speaking at the meeting, Woking Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Ray Morgan, explained that priority had to be given to getting Toad Hall Nursery running again.

“I’m truly sorry for the delay, but hope by Easter you’ll be celebrating,” he said, revealing that the site will become a test subject for a new line of security measures.

“The whole area will be covered by CCTV in spring next year,” he said. “This will be the test bed of a next-generation system before it is used to replace the CCTV in Woking town centre.”

Responding to concerns that there are presently no public toilets for users of Goldsworth Park’s lake and recreation areas, Mr Morgan confirmed the rebuilding will provide new facilities, to be ready next spring.

Irene Watson, who was re-elected chairman of the association, told the News & Mail she was pleased to see a good turnout at the meeting. She added: “I was pleased too that Ray Morgan came to give an update on the community hall and other issues to Goldsworth Park residents, such as the public toilets.

“I am concerned it is taking so long to complete the hall but would rather it was done properly, to a high standard, than rushed. We appreciate the significant resources Woking Borough Council have put into restoring the building and rectifying faults in the original construction.

“We also appreciate the support from our Surrey County Councillors who are funding new appliances from their local allocations.”