Community centre ‘will not be forced to shut’

A community centre hit by a drastic cuts to its funding has moved to reassure its users that it will not be forced to shut at Christmas.

Meadowfields Community Centre in Belfield is set to lose £18,000 in funding following proposals by Rochdale Council and held public meetings on Thursday 11 October to discuss the issue.

Tracy Judge, chairperson of the management committee for the centre, said that the centre will continue to function after the festive period although they are not looking too far ahead at the moment.

Residents have been urged to contact their councillors, however Mrs Judge confessed that turnout at the meetings was disappointing.

“It could have been better,” Mrs Judge admitted.

“For those that came it did serve its purpose, we helped them write their letters but we would have liked a better turnout.

“We want as many letters as possible to take to the council meeting on Wednesday morning.

“We need to have a discussion now and decide whether to go, or whether to give it a bit longer and get more letters - give ourselves a bit more force.”

On the future of the Community Centre, Mrs Judge admitted that she did not know what lay ahead but she is confident that it will stay open for the time being at least.

She said: “If they take it all the way, then I don’t know what will happen.”

“We’re talking about a big cut to funding and in the same breath they are saying that they may start charging rent.

“They are taking away from us and then asking for even more.”

The centre hosts many community groups’ meetings as well as running activities of its own such as Zumba fitness class and a luncheon club.

“I am confident that we will be open at least until April next year,” Mrs Judge said. “I think it will be June-July time before we have to take a look at it.”