BRIDGWATER'S community hub has been forced to leave Angel Place Shopping Centre with only weeks' notice given.

The Hub, which first opened in the shopping centre just under six years ago, has become home to several local groups, and more recently hosted the successful Digital Café, which aimed to help people get to grips with technology.

 John Hardy, who opened The Hub in September 2018, explained that it was his mother's last wish to see her money used to create something that would benefit the local community.

Now, The Hub has been given only four weeks' notice to leave the shopping centre, as claimed by Tracey Lowther, although this has been disputed by the shopping centre's landlords.

Speaking to the Bridgwater Times, she said: "I received the sad news that The Hub has been given four weeks' notice to vacate Angel Place Shopping Centre.

"It has been the heart of our community, and literally sits in the heart, centrally.

"John Hardy started it with some money his wonderful mum left him, with the instructions he should do something to help people, and he has done her proud with the help of his amazing wife and son.

"Home to numerous groups that help from Carers, dementia, village agents, IT, Veterans Breakfast Club and of course the ever growing Wednesday Community Lunch Group.

"So where will these people now go?

"The Hub is our Community's heart and needs transplanting somewhere in the town so if you know of anywhere that's suitable, please get in touch."

Angel Place Shopping Centre owners Maritime Capital deny that The Hub was given only four weeks to vacate the premises.

The community space features a classroom facility, a large flexible space for recreation capable of events, fitness classes and workshops, as well as a quiet place, named Marj's Little Lounge in honour of founder Mr Hardy's mother.

At the time of its opening in 2018, John Hardy said: "We have great aspiration to serve people in their time of need, but also that the hub will be able to hold fun events too.

"However none of this could have taken place without the generosity of so many local businesses and tradesman.

"I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown."