Campaigners fighting to keep a Hitchin community centre open say they have been told by a council employee that it is going to be ‘pulled down’, despite an official decision not being expected until next month.

Walsworth Community Centre faces an uncertain future after a North Herts District Council report recommended closing or demolishing the building rather than spend £160,000 bringing it up to scratch

The centre’s fate is due to be discussed by the district council’s cabinet on June 16, but the Comet has been told that the authority’s community facilities officer, Peter Underwood, has said the council was “going to pull the community centre down and build a new one”.

Derek Sheard was one of those who said he heard Mr Underwood’s comments at a private meeting to discuss St Michael’s Mount Community Centre.

Mr Sheard, who lives in Walsworth, said: “My reaction to what he said was: ‘Did he really just say that?’ I spoke with the half dozen or so people who were all at the meeting afterwards and they all confirmed that he did say it.

“What concerned me was that he said it quite matter-of-factly – as if the decision to pull it down had already been made.

“Walsworth is a well-used centre and a vital community hub and, with The Sailor Boy pub going, and the district council seemingly decided to pull our community centre down, it does feel like they are ripping out the heart of Walsworth.

“Soon there will be nothing to distinguish this part of Hitchin from any other – and that is sad.”

Walsworth Community Association member Chris Parker said: “This statement causes great concern and gives us an indication a decision has been made on the future of the Walsworth Community Centre without proper consultation and before being presented to district council members. We have confirmation in writing of this statement.

“If a decision has been made in advance of any meeting how can Peter Underwood make such a statement in public? Also if true, where is the money going to come from for the demolition and rebuild?

“We hope the picture in relation to the centre is not as bleak as others seem to make out.”

Councillor Judi Billing added: “Our chief executive David Scholes is investigating and we cannot really add anything while the investigation is ongoing.

“But it is incredibly alarming if this has been said. If things have been said which ought not to have been said then we certainly need to investigate.”

Councillor Tony Hunter said: “During a recent meeting, the redevelopment of the Westmill Community Centre was referred to by a council officer. He was not referring to Walsworth Community Centre for which no decision has yet been taken.

“New lease terms for the centre are currently under negotiation and a report will be prepared for cabinet in due course.”

However Derek added in response: “I was at the meeting and that’s simply not true. He was referring to Walsworth. Everyone knows that.”