A COMMUNITY centre in the most deprived area of Malvern is to be shut down at the weekend.

The Pickersleigh Community Centre Association (PCCA) has decided to close the building, in Baxters Walk, tomorrow and return it to its former use as housing.

The centre has been running since 2000 and currently has various users including a youth group, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Sole Mates walking group and a computer group for older people.

But Val Myatt, chairman of the PCCA, said a study had indicated there were enough alternative facilities to fulfil those groups’ needs. These could include the Langland Stadium, St Mary’s and Malvern Evangelical Churches and Malvern Youth Centre.

“We’re confident that by making more efficient use of what we have we should be able to fulfil whatever need is there,” she said. “The fact is the existing centre is not desperately suitable. The rooms only fit very small groups and I think we will be able to make better provision elsewhere.”

Festival Housing will convert the centre back into two three-bedroom houses in the new year.

PCCA trustee and county councillor Penelope Morgan said there were 2,309 families on the housing waiting list in the Malvern Hills and the opportunity was “too good to refuse”.

“I don’t think that any of us could justify keeping a venue that is empty a lot of the time and not really fit for purpose. It has had its day.

“In the past it was probably vital but now there are plenty of alternatives.”

According to Malvern Hills District Council’s community profiles, Pickersleigh is the “most deprived” ward in the district. It is now hoped a purpose-built centre can be built in the future.

PCCA trustee and district councillor Brian Pilcher said: “This is probably the area of Malvern with the greatest need. But unfortunately there is no immediate prospect of getting anything built because the land and money are simply not available.”

Town councillor Pat Mewton said: “A purpose-built centre would help to pull the neighbourhood together.”

Clare Huyton, executive director at Festival, said: “Following the PCCA’s decision to close the centre and return it to us we have decided to convert it into much-needed family housing.”

A users meeting will be taking place in the centre at 6pm on January 9.