Tupsley Whitehouse Community Hub remains closed after a year

The Tupsley Whitehouse Community Hub, based on Whittern Way, has been out of use since July 2025 after Herefordshire Council identified a number of defects following winter storm damage.

Angela Williams, a resident and campaigner, said the most recent update on the fenced-off building was given before Christmas.

Ms Williams said the closure has "left a hole at the very heart of Tupsley", adding that for many residents, the closure signified not only the loss of a building, but loss of a "community lifeline", with the building woven into the fabric of local life for generations, including in its previous life as a pub.

She added that those behind the campaign are not asking for conflict with the local authority, but rather "partnership".

"Rather than creating barriers, now is the time for Herefordshire Council to stand alongside residents and help find a solution," she said.

"The council and the community share a common interest: protecting a facility that supports wellbeing, reduces loneliness and strengthens community cohesion."

Ms Williams called for the council to work "with residents rather than against them," emphasising that Tupsley residents want more than just a building reopened—they want "their community heart restored."

Rhys Griffiths and Angela Williams want the council to reopen the community hub (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Councillor Harry Bramer previously responded to concerns raised by Ms Griffiths, saying that, given the problems with previous repairs, “a future lease will explicitly require the council as landlord [to give] approval of any structural works”.