A promise has been made to assist community centres in West Lothian that are at risk of closure, as reported by the Daily Record. West Lothian’s Voluntary Sector Gateway has committed to collaborating with the council to find solutions for the 38 community centres and village halls that are facing potential shutdown. Alan McCloskey, the CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway, which represents the voluntary sector in the county, informed councillors about plans to convene a meeting with the Joint Forum of Community Councils to explore a way forward for these centres.
While some centres might be able to operate independently with full-time management committees taking charge through the community asset transfer process, many others are uncertain about their future. Management committees of these centres have been urged to consider various options, including assuming ownership of the buildings to save costs amounting to £1 million. Alternatives such as acquiring a full repairing and insuring lease or agreeing to cover all expenses billed by the council are also on the table.
During a meeting of the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP), Mr. McCloskey expressed that having earlier access to the proposals before June would have been beneficial in exploring alternative solutions. He emphasized the importance of engaging in constructive discussions with the council to present alternative options following the meeting with the joint forum.
In his report to the PDSP, the CEO highlighted the rising concerns within the community regarding the council’s review of Community and Partnership Centres. Many of these centres are managed by volunteer-led management committees and play a vital role in fostering community and social cohesion. The looming threat of closure poses a significant challenge to these centres as they are expected to shoulder operational costs without substantial resources or expertise. Numerous groups have indicated their inability to assume these responsibilities, jeopardizing the diverse range of activities and services they provide, from art groups to community meetings.
Recognizing the pivotal role these centres play in community life, the Voluntary Sector Gateway of West Lothian has engaged with representatives from the Joint Forum of Community Councils to explore a publicity campaign aimed at identifying potential solutions. The collaborative effort seeks to address the concerns of community members who rely on these centres for social interaction and support.
The commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the community centres facing closure underscores the importance of preserving these vital spaces that nurture community connections and well-being in West Lothian. Stay updated with the latest developments by subscribing to the West Lothian Courier newsletter.