We're very pleased to report that this much valued centre which local school pupils use a lot, will not after all face closure as was feared due to government cuts in Council funding. Instead, we voiced the very strong protests of local pupils, teachers and parents - the kids at Oliver Goldsmith primary were
particularly artistic with their letters and a petition of parents went to the Council.
Happy to say, a prominant socially-minded local building firm, Carey's, agreed to fund 50% of the revenue costs for the next two years to keep the centre going and to buy time for a long-termed solution to be developed. During this time, Carey's will work in partnership with the Council to develop the education offer provided and will provide support in kind from their marketing staff and academic consultant to achieve this. A Business Plan will also be drawn up for future funding arrangements beyond the 2year period in a long-term partnership agreement. The site and all buildings remain the property of the Council and Carey's name will be mentioned in the title of the centre.
In the circumstances, this is the best possible outcome and all the schools using the centre are really
pleased.
Cllr Jim Moher
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