“We have been working with Living Under One Sun (LUOS), the council’s tenant, who gave notice to end their lease and therefore no longer run the building.
“We were in the process of having this handed back last Friday and that is when individuals, with a range of agendas, stormed the building and injured a council member of staff.
“The unlawful occupation is a risk to all users. The council does not recommend anyone wanting to use the building to engage in unchecked and unregistered activities.
“We want to provide the best services for our residents and the council has already held discussions with community groups about the short-term usage that included summer holiday activities for young children and were actively discussing with LUOS how equipment would support this.
“This unlawful occupation is now delaying this taking place and the benefits it will bring for residents.
“The council will be seeking possession of the building to remove the unlawful occupants so we can ensure the parties we have engaged with are able to run activities through the correct channels.
“As part of the planned long-term programme, the council have engaged extensively with residents and will be providing a new building and other facilities in the park to ensure long-term community provision.”
