Protests have followed Oxford City Council’s decision to take over the East Oxford Community Centre from its current managers, the East Oxford Community Association (EOCA). The decision was taken after the Council said there was “serious concern” over the management of the Centre.
Although Oxford Council owns all the community centres in the city, prior to this decision they have all been managed by trustees of community associations elected by local residents. The East Oxford Centre currently provides several amenities used by students, among them the printing facility GreenPrint used by student publications, including the LGBTQ zine NoHeterOx.
Concerns have been raised that the council may use this opportunity to reduce community control over the centre. An online petition to stop the takeover has already reached over 500 signatures.
Students were also among those concerned by the takeover. The Oxford Activist Network has raised the issue on its Facebook page and helped organize a demonstration against the closure.
A student member of the Oxford Tenants’ Union told Cherwell that “the centre provides a key link between local residents and Oxonians. Fledgling organisations have found a home there, such as the Oxford Tenants’ Union.”
She added that, “it would be a great shame for Oxford to lose this, given the many accusations we face as Oxbridge students of being confined to our ‘ivory towers’.”
The Council has stated that “existing tenants will remain in the community centre. We look forward to working with them to improve and develop the programme that is offered to the local community.” It added that “we have no other option in the circumstances where a public asset is being mismanaged other than to terminate the licence.”
The EOCA has said that it is seeking independent advice on the takeover.
