Community group still in search of new home

IT has been four months since the head of a community group appealed for help in finding a new meeting place.

But despite councillor Albert Grant issuing a clarion call for help in housing the Ipswich Caribbean Association (ICA), the group is still in need of a venue.

Mr Grant, who was left heartbroken after the council made the controversial decision to tear down the group’s home in Woodbridge Road, said no-one had come forward to offer their assistance.

The club’s old building – on a site which is now a car park – had been home to the ICA since 1980, but was forced to close in 2010 after the council withdrew financial support.

Mr Grant said: “No one came forward after we last asked for help.

“We need somewhere which is on a bus route and somewhere which is accessible to the elderly, so nowhere with lots of stairs.

“We have got nowhere to go and we need a place.

“At the moment we meet at St Margaret’s Church, but we need a permanent base.

“We have been looking for a new venue but it’s hard.”

The Caribbean Club hit the headlines in December 2009 following a shooting during a music event

The new venue must have a kitchen and must be able to sit around 30 to 40 people. Meanwhile, Mr Grant said he hoped the car park in Cobden Place, which replaced the old site, would be named Caribbean Park.

“It would be really nice because it is important we remember what was there before,” he said. “I have heard a few people say they think it would be great to name the car park after our venue so hopefully that will happen.”

n If you can offer some help or support to the ICA, e-mail Albert Grant at albert.grant@councillors.ipswich.gov.uk