Chain Lane Community Centre faces imminent closure
By Maggie Gell
A COMMUNITY Centre in Knaresborough is threatened with closure at the end of this month leaving hundreds of local people without services.
Chain Lane Community Centre on the Eastfield estate is used by more than a dozen groups including youth groups, respite care for disabled people, exercise classes, a mental health support group and an over-60s group.
The site is owned by Leeds Metroplitan University but it has now decided the centre is surplus to its requirements.
A steering group has been attempting to find a solution and has commissioned a feasibility study into the potential to develop the site for community use.
“Leeds Met were involved in our plans from the outset and seemed keen to relinquish the site and were pleased we were looking at a solution,’ said Sue Vasey, Chief Executive of the North Yorkshire Learning Consortium, which is leading the feasibility process.
“We don’t understand why Leeds Met has now said the Centre will close on August 31, with the loss of all existing services.”
One elderly user of the centre said: “I have mobility difficulties and have attended the Social Services group at Chain Lane for over 20 years. I am devastated that the centre may close and the group may be disbanded.”
A user of the youth club added: “This is the only place in Knaresborough we can meet our friends. It stops us hanging about outside shops and in the parks.”
Ms Vasey added: “Whilst so many services are currently being threatened by public sector cuts, it seems untenable that these services are to be lost, just when the feasibility study has begun. We are confident that if the feasibility study is positive, we will be able to raise the money we need to develop the site and keep services running.”
A Leeds Metropolitan University spokesman said: “The property at Chain Lane came into the University’s ownership after our merger with Harrogate College.
“Chain Lane is not used for any university business, however since 1998, we have invested in the maintenance and upkeep of the property. In the current financial climate, difficult decisions have to be made and we recognise our responsibility for the stewardship of public funds.
“We have made a reasonable and fair offer to North Yorkshire County Council and the Learning Consortium to take over the property otherwise it will be for sale.”
North Yorkshire County Council said: “The council has confirmed to the university that it wishes to take on a short-term lease of the Centre in order to secure the immediate future of the youth centre. A response is awaited.
“In addition, the county council, which formerly owned Chain Lane, has retained some user rights for community use of the building, including for the youth service.
“The council continues to work with North Yorkshire Learning Consortium in its attempts to develop the site as a community facility which would also incorporate a youth centre. This proposal is dependent on external funds being raised to buy the site but would lead to improved facilities for young people.”
l See letters – Page 6.
l Tell us what you think by emailing kna.news@ypn.co.uk or write to the Knaresborough Post, c/o Age Concern Knaresborough, Cliff House, Hilton Lane, Knaresborough HG5 8BX.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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