the event to discuss funding
MEMBERS of the public concerned about the future of Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre attended a meeting on Wednesday (Jan 27) to discuss if a new community investment programme could be a solution to the centre’s funding problems.
Cllr Viv Stoddart and Cllr Mike Stoddart released a statement following the meeting saying: “We were delighted that so many people attended the meeting hosted by the charity Building Communities Trust (BCT) and Invest Local. Representatives from all the area’s organisations came along to hear what the charity had to say.
“We thank all those who attended, and the volunteers who distributed leaflets to ensure this key event for our community was so well publicised.
“The meeting heard that Invest Local has lottery funding of £1 million available to the community over ten years.
“Invest Local’s development officer Rachel Harding stressed that it was for the community to decide how the money is used to help shape the future of our area.
“This has huge potential for the areas we represent and the big turnout for this initial meeting gives us confidence that it is an opportunity that the community will grasp with both hands.
“Rachel Harding will be consulting widely over the next few weeks and a second meeting is scheduled for mid- March.”
Earlier this month the scheduled closure of Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre was put on hold until July.
At the request of Cllr Viv Stoddart, the centre’s owners Pembrokehsire County Council, agreed to continue to fund and manage the centre until the end of the summer term.
The centre’s doors were planned to be shut in April.
Speaking at the time Viv Stoddart told the Herald: “Mike and I are grateful that the council have agreed to give the community more time to explore funding opportunities which will enable the much-loved centre to stay open, both in the short and long term.
“We thank all those people who attended December’s successful drop in sessions, and the volunteers who hand delivered the invitations to the consultation, kindly facilitated by the county council.
“The positive response from the community is evidence of the enthusiasm to keep the iconic building open for everyone to use.”
Add Comment