The boiler at Independence Matters at Dereham Community Hub broke on February 22, 2022, and it is still yet to be repaired amid falling temperatures - which reached just two degrees on the morning of October 16. Norfolk County Council manages the building on Rash's Green Industrial Estate - but rather than repair or replace the boiler with a new one, a spokesman said they were trying to find a solution in line with their environmental targets. Independence Matters at Dereham Community Hub, on Rash's Green Industrial Estate (Image: Google Maps)The council has provided electric heaters, but Hazel Simms - whose sister, Joanie, has been attending the centre since it opened its doors, 38 years ago - said the centre really needed a new boiler. Judith Anderson, who attends Independence Matters at Dereham Community Hub, Hazel Simms and her sister, Joanie Armiger (Image: Hazel Simms)“If it was a school they would close it down. "We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused in the short term.”Independence Matters - which runs support centres across the county - declined to comment.

Source: The Times October 18, 2023 15:48 UTC