A COUNCIL has been urged to investigate a community centre regeneration project after it was described as the “worst example of a building" by residents.

Back in 2017, the Grangetown Community Centre received about £1.5m of lottery funding to transform it into a versatile community centre.

However with the project, run Future Regeneration of Grangetown (FROG), nearing completion, those living nearby have criticised the work that has been carried out so far on the building, with loose bricks and other debris scattered across the site, gates erected in the wrong place for vehicles to enter and without dropped kerbs, and trip hazards around the children’s play area, including around the fence perimeter which is not secured and an old piece of wood sticking through the ground.

A nearby business owner has also criticised the state of the new units at the site, which he will be moving into when the project is completed, which have uneven floors and holes in the walls.

In a letter to Amanda Skelton, chief executive of the council, resident and builder Geoff Ewart said: “When funding was obtained for the rebuilding of the community hub, I along with many others were delighted that at last we would have an improved facility in our area.

“However, the standard of this project is possibly the worst example of building I have witnessed in my many years in the building trade.

"The outside area has multiple levels and remnants of the previous kerbstones and surfaces are broken and badly laid, and a ramp that has been laid is a major tripping hazard.

“The people of Grangetown deserve a facility that improves the area not adds to the deprivation we have suffered – this community hub should have been a beacon of renewal not another millstone around the necks of residents of Grangetown.”

Lynn Pallister, Grangetown ward councillor, accepted there were “issues” with the site, but said it would not open until they were “100% happy” and they would “hold the contractors to account”.

“It is important to look at the bigger picture and the before and after photos of the site – it is going to be a wonderful place for the people of Grangetown and the transformation has been unbelievable,” she said.

“We have got the keys and there were inspectors on the site yesterday but it will be about another month until it is open.

“I absolutely welcome local residents raising their concerns – that is absolutely fine and we will listen to the concerns they have for the site.”

A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: "The Council has supported this Future Regeneration of Grangetown (FROG)-led project which will benefit the community and has led to investment in the town.

"We can confirm our officers have recently been made aware of some concerns about building work on the project and are engaging with FROG to ensure that any issues are resolved."