TV Presenter Takes Stand Against Council Decision
Television personality Nick Knowles has publicly called upon Hillingdon Council to establish proper dialogue with families affected by the closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre near Hayes. The DIY SOS star expressed his disappointment at what he perceives as the council's failure to engage with concerned parties seeking alternative solutions.
Therapeutic Facility Faces Uncertain Future
The garden centre, which provided outdoor therapeutic experiences for adults with learning difficulties and autism, saw its retail operations cease in July. Knowles initially shared his concerns on social media platform X, stating he was "sad to hear" about the closure of what he described as an important facility for vulnerable adults.
In a direct conversation with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Knowles emphasised: "It's disappointing when there seems to be a dedicated team of families and supporters keen to find a new funding model to keep the centre and the shop associated with the centre open that the council leaders appear to be ignoring calls for dialogue."
Financial Pressures Spark Controversy
Hillingdon Council defended its decision by revealing the retail element required a £137,000 subsidy in 2024/25, describing this as financially unsustainable. A council spokesperson confirmed: "The retail element of the service was closed earlier in the year, as it was no longer financially viable."
However, campaigners argue they've faced obstacles in developing alternative funding models. John and Andrea Scrivens claim the council failed to provide financial information about the RAGC in a timely fashion, hampering their efforts to create a viable proposal. The couple have since submitted a formal complaint regarding the council's handling of their case.
The council maintains that while therapeutic and horticultural activities continue at the site, no decisions about future service provision have been made. They stated: "The council is prepared to consider alternative proposals for the site, but no such proposal has been received."
Community Response and Legal Action
Local supporters haven't remained silent. A campaign group hoping to bring legal action against the council has already raised £2,670 towards their fight. Meanwhile, a public consultation concluded in October, with the council promising to share findings later this month.
Knowles concluded his remarks with a plea for cooperation: "Surely given the strength of feeling of the need for this facility and the good it does, a conversation with interested parties and council leaders is the least that should happen. We are all aware that there just isn't the money available to councils to support everything but that's why dialogue and new ideas should be welcome, not ignored."
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between local authority budget constraints and community services supporting vulnerable residents. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Hillingdon Council to see whether they will heed Knowles' call for renewed discussions with affected families.
