CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save Coopers Hill Community Centre from demolition have ramped up their cause — by creating a song dedicated to keeping the site open.

The hub could come down after proposals to regenerate Coopers Hill, Market Street and Jubilee Gardens were laid bare as part of £300 million investment plans in May 2019.

READ MORE: Why this kebab shop got a 'one' food hygiene rating

Bracknell News:

Around 700 homes could go up if proposals are taken forward by Bracknell Forest Council (BFC).

This would mean knocking down Coopers Hill Community Centre — something regular users of the site and neighbours are hoping does not happen.

READ MORE: Will it snow in Bracknell tonight?

Numerous meetings have taken place and banners have been put up to raise awareness of the plans, but now the Save Coopers Hill Campaign activists have produced a song about the issue they are facing.

Sung to the tune of John Brown’s Body, it goes:

CHORUS

Solidarity forever

Better when we fight together

Come and join in our endeavour

Coopers Hill it must be saved!

VERSE 1

The council wants to knock it down, develop all the land

We will lose this vital asset if we do not make a stand

It has been here for so long for the community at hand

Coopers Hill we must save you!

Bracknell News:

CHORUS

VERSE 2

From tiny tots to pensioners, from youth to mums to be

From religious groups to fitness clubs and more for you and me

It has served this large community close to a century

Coopers Hill forever be!

READ MORE: What to expect when Sainsbury's closes for good

CHORUS

VERSE 3

There’s room inside for more to come with plans to grow not stop

Its location is ideal with the town centre just a hop

Bracknell council bought a new roof to sit nicely on the top

Coopers Hill needs to be saved!

CHORUS

Campaigners have also created a 21-point manifesto detailing why the centre should be saved, which includes:

Bracknell does not have a central community centre and if Coopers Hill goes, it’s lost forever.

Bracknell News:

The recent addition of the new roof has enhanced its future and to demolish this would be a complete loss as well as a waste of council tax money

It is centrally located with good access for all and parking both on site and in the street.

BFC bosses say the centre needs at least £1 million of investment to bring it up to a “usable standard”, following a survey by independent inspectors.

Bracknell News:

According to the council, the centre costs £62,000 to run but generates £52,000 in income per year.

A BFC spokesperson told the News in October 2019: “Given the building’s age and condition, it would be difficult to make additional modifications to make it fully accessible across all levels – which is something the council aspires to for all its buildings to ensure equality standards are met.”