Members of Getting Better Together Shotts have defended the work going on at Springhill Hall following a spate of online criticism.
GBT took to social media following a number of negative posts about the hall and the surrounding area.
In 2019, the hall, which had been under threat of demolition, was taken over by GBT, in an asset transfer deal.
Writing on its Facebook site, GBT stated: “We feel very strongly that any criticism is unjustified as the organisation has worked exceptionally hard to secure funding for the area.
“The land and hall were purchased from North Lanarkshire Council through a grant secured by Getting Better Together (Shotts Healthy Living Centre).
“Over the last three years the organisation has worked vigorously with many members of the community regarding a new development for the area.
“The planning and development is ongoing, and it is anticipated that everything will be in place for construction for the end of this year.”
Volunteers spent a weekend sprucing up the outside of the hall including grass cutting.
GBT’s move to save Springhill came after the local authority carried out a survey and concluded “that the present building is at the end of its economic life” and “the current intention [is] that the building will be demolished as part of any future redevelopment proposals”.
GBT also updated locals on other plans moving forward.
In a statement on GBT’s Facebook page, the group stated: “We can also confirm that young people were consulted about the services they would like.
“Young people voted for a new MUGA at Dykehead, and Springhill voted for a Pump Track. This is included in the plans.
“This development is not a GBT Shotts Healthy Living Centre development, it belongs to the community.
“We helped save the hall when it was to be closed. We did this for the community.
“We raised the funds to purchase the hall and the land. All of this was done for the community.
“We therefore need people to be more involved, as this is not just about raising the £1.2 million for the project it is about the benefit it will have in your community.
“We are keeping services going at Springhill Hall until the new hub is built but that has been difficult due to the lockdown periods.
“However, we are pleased to say that since coming out of lockdown this year. We have restarted our daily breakfast club and walk to school.
“A community shop is open at the hall every Monday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm. This is run by volunteers, and we are very hopeful that other services (men’s shed, sewing and art group and our afterschool programmes) will restart once the area is back into level one.”
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