Former Wolverhampton warden base to be Muslim community centre

The Elms Centre in Whitmore Reans has been the wardens' base for more than a decade, but a new use for the site has been sought since Wolverhampton City Council controversially scrapped the scheme.

Now it has emerged the authority has agreed to lease the dilapidated building and its adjoining land to the Wolverhampton Muslim Forum (WMF).

Under the 10-year contract, the forum will pay a nominal lease fee of £1 per year and will be responsible for the upkeep of the buildings.

The lease also states that Wolverhampton City Council has retained the right to use the property 'for election purposes and in the case of emergencies'.

A member of staff from the authority could be located at the site for a 12 months period, according to the agreement.

The future of WMF's current base in Merridale Street West is yet to be decided.

WMF treasurer Mohammed Ajaz, said he hoped the centre would be up and running by the middle of April.

The 60-year-old said: "There's a bit of work to be done. A partition wall needs taking down and a few other bits.

"We have been looking for a place in Whitmore Reans and The Elms is just right. We have now signed the lease and look forward to getting started at the centre."

Once open it is hoped the centre will become a meeting place for the city's Muslim community, including a youth club and educational sessions as well as activities for elderly members.

There will also be onsite support workers offering guidance on immigration issues. The WMF has the stated aim of bringing communities together to 'encourage peace and harmony' across the city.

Councillor Zahid Shah, who represents St Peter's ward on Wolverhampton City Council, said: "This is great news for the Muslim community in Wolverhampton.

"Muslims have been an integral part of the city for decades and I hope The Elms Centre will become a focal point for support and guidance."

The 14-year-old neighbourhood wardens scheme was axed by Wolverhampton City Council to save £480,000.

The move caused anger among many residents who considered wardens to be a vital part of the community.

At the scheme's peak there were 48 wardens working across the city, with a wide range of duties including assisting police to catch criminals and ensuring communal areas remained clean.

But as part of the authority's massive budget cuts the number of wardens gradually reduced in the past three years.

In 2013 there were 30, but by the end of last year only 13 wardens remained in the city.

The death knell was sounded on the scheme when council bosses announced its budget earlier this month.

The Elms Centre has also served as the headquarters of the Wolverhampton South West Local Neighbourhood Partnership.