THE Kings Arms Community Hub in Wellington has been open less than a year, but it is already becoming a victim of its own success.

The hub in the former High Street pub continues to grow and increase in popularity and offers a vital service to the community in Wellington.

And Wellington Town Council’s community development officer, Laura Batcha, in a report, said: “Due to this increased popularity increasing numbers of agencies and services are making enquiries about delivering their services from the community hub.”

Now the council has had to adopt a formal policy to ensure it can manage the rooms efficiently, recover costs and support community use in a “fair and sustainable way.”

The council’s community committee met on July 20 and agreed that all activities within the hub must support one or more of the following priorities – children and youth engagement/support; adult social care and well-being; community empowerment; inclusivity and safeguarding; sustainable impact.

A report said the hub may be hired by individuals, community groups, charities, public services and organisations whose aims and activities contribute positively to the well-being of the Wellington community, support the hub’s mission and strategic priorities, align with the values and objectives of the town council and promote inclusion, safety and community cohesion.

“Private and commercial bookings may be accepted following discussions with the council’s chief executive,” added the report. “Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure it aligns with our policies, community values and operational capacity.

“All bookings are subject to assessment and approval by authorised hub staff or the town council.”

Cllr Andy Govier said he was happy to support the hub hire policy and added: “We have thrashed this about a few times in recent months.”

Councillors agreed to approve the proposed hire policy for the Kings Arms Community Hub.