Councillors have unanimously backed a plan to build a new community building in the Packmores area Warwick some 18 years after the local authority identified it as needing support.

Warwick District Council's (WDC) cabinet last night (September 20) signed off the start of a project that could see a new centre built around Priory Pools Park.

Since 2007 the Packmores community has received community support services from a repurposed space at Sussex Court Flats.

But now the council wants to find a suitable location to build a dedicated facility.

"The Packmores has got a strong and vibrant community with a clear identity. It's a really strong place to be," said Cllr Jim Sinnott.

"However, it does have issues, it needs support. It has been waiting 18 years for that to arrive. 

"We haven't got a community centre and that would allow us to discharge a lot of our duties to the community there. 

"I don't want to see it as a broken community in any way shape and form."

A report discussed by councillors said the project could cost up to £2 million.

It also said there were no other local buildings which would be suitable.

"My only reservation is, early on they need to know who is going to run it," said Cllr Judith Falp. 

" It's all very well building a centre, but then you have got to run it. 

"Warwick District Council does not run centres. 

"So an early identifier of who is going to run it is important, otherwise you are going to have a building and no services out of it."