A campaigner says the demolition of a community centre will “destroy” the community it sits in.

Watford Borough Council has agreed in principle to knock down the Centrepoint Community Centre in Raphael Drive, Watford, to allow a development of 17 social homes.

Although the plans, which have been created in partnership with Watford Community Housing, will include a community space, David Abraham is not convinced and said the news of the closure came as a “bombshell”.

Mr Abraham, 74, who lives in Radlett Road, said: “We don’t have a problem with social housing but I don’t think the council are thinking through the effect of losing the centre. It helps people of all ages. It could destroy us and take the heart away from the community."

“If it has to be done, we will need a temporary site. When you build something up, then move everyone around, it is not easy to start again. The news was like to a bomb to us.

“Perhaps the centre isn’t used as much as it once but a lot of groups do you use it still. I would like the council to consider different sites.”

Watford Borough Council says Centrepoint has been selected as an “ideal” location for social housing. As of the end of September, the council has 149 families in temporary accommodation. In a cabinet meeting on September 10, the Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, committed to building 16-18 new social units per year over the next three years.

The council says many of the groups who do use Centrepoint are not from the area and they are working to find alternative venues. Mr Taylor is also considering the possibility of a temporary building while development, if approved, takes place.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “I am committed to providing community facilities as part of the Centrepoint development, which is why we’re currently going through a thorough engagement process purely on the plans for a community space and local shop. We’re working with all of the groups to understand their needs and are making arrangements with nearby venues which can host a number of the activities."

“We must not lose sight of the fact that this scheme is primarily about providing 17 Watford families who are currently in temporary accommodation with a permanent home. One of my manifesto commitments is to provide new council housing, so that Watford remains a town for all its people."

An application is expected to be made in early 2019 and the scheme will have to be approved by the Watford Borough Council planning committee.