Deputy PM Nick Clegg chose Shepherd's Bush from where to launch the government's vision for social mobility – from a community hub on the brink of being closed by the council.

On Wednesday, the Liberal Democrat Leader visited the axe-threatened Shepherd's Bush Village Hall in Bulwer Street, home to a children's play centre, a families project and numerous other community groups.

He was meant to be there to pose for pictures and to talk to centre managers about the government's plans but, in an eventful morning, he also:

*Saw Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter harangue councillors in front of TV news crews over the centre's future

*Got given two cards made by children begging him to save their playgroup

*Was confronted by worried parents over the council's plans

*Refused to answer questions from the Chronicle

*Was pleaded with to ensure aid reached Pakistani flood victims

It appears there was a communication breakdown with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which only learnt of Mr Clegg's visit hours before he arrived meaning he seemingly had little or no idea of its sell-off plans.

The Chronicle tried to quiz him over his visit as he left but he refused to answer, only pausing to accept two-hand written cards which had been handed to us to give to him by two little girls. The cards simply said: "Mr Legg (sic), please save our home."

The protests have been caused by plans to move the popular Sure Start Children's Centre and the Shepherd's Bush Families Project (SBFP) to the nearby Edward Woods Estate.

The council wants raise money as part of its debt purge and, in addition, has already axed £47,000 worth of funding for Sure Start's after-school club.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh insists the proposed move won't impact on the groups' services but parents and organisers aren't sure and were left confused by the visit from Mr Clegg, who was also cornered by people asking him to ensure aid for the Pakistan flood catastrophe reached victims.

Claire Nobi, who sends daughter Treynani, four, to Sure Start, said: "I don't really understand why he came if the hall is being sold. I don't think he understands what the background to this place is.

"Where the council are planning to move us in unacceptable – it is a lot smaller and the facilities are not the same."

Sandra Thorpe, who has a son, Nathan, two, said: "His visit was a bit confusing and has given out a really mixed message. Everyone is worried – the new place won't be the same."

SBFP's deputy project manager Tina Mayers said: "They are saying 'people before buildings', but sometimes buildings can mean a lot to people. Mr Clegg seemed interested in what I had to say and said he'd look into it – I have to believe that to be true."

John Prior, who manages the 44 other voluntary groups who use the hall, said: "As yet we haven't been offered anywhere to go. It's really worrying."

Earlier, Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter rowed with deputy council leader Nick Botterill over the proposals.

He later said: "If Mr Clegg truly believes that children’s centres, and voluntary organisations like SBFP, offer a fair start in life to children, especially those from poorer backgrounds, he should be joining the campaign to save this centre and the work it does."

Mr Greenhalgh said SBFP was actually allocated £50,000 more by the council last year than in the previous 12 months and promised Sure Start's after school club would continue at Addison and St Stephens Schools instead.

He added: "I don't think social mobility is about buildings – we are going to continue to support this project. We just think it is wrong to be paying interest on debt and this means we are having to sell buildings.

"It is a sensible policy."

Mr Clegg is currently touring the country spreading the message that a person's background should not affect their chances of a successful life.