Andrew Willis says that if the centre is not built on the land surrounding the school, the land could be sold to developers for housing, jeopardising the school’s chance of creating playing fields and extra parking. St John Deputy Andrew Lewis wants to build the new community centre on the land with money raised by selling the Butlin Memorial Hall recreation centre to developers for housing and a new country park. Deputy Lewis said the centre was ‘past its sell-by date’ and that the parish needed more modern sports and community facilities. But his plans have met opposition from some parishioners, including Sir Billy Butlin’s widow, Sheila, Lady Butlin. They would prefer to see the old centre updated. However, if a new centre is not built beside the school, the land could be sold for housing, which would have a number of detrimental effects on the school, according to Mr Willis. He is encouraging parents to write to Deputy Lewis. He said that the land surrounding the school was limited, which had an impact on the school in several ways.
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