Greens fights to save community centre from closure

Culture and Sport Glasgow, which manage the hall on behalf of the council, is expecting its funding to be slashed and is going to close this facility and many others across the city.

In Overnewton's case, neither the council nor Culture and Sport Glasgow have spent much on it for many years. The essential repairs bill has started to look unattractive to managers, even though the hall makes a small profit in most years. The many sports groups and other community organisations that use the hall have been told to either take it over in 8 weeks time or go elsewhere.

"This is a complete disgrace" fumed Councillor Baker, "These tiny user groups are being asked to step up and organise themselves into a charity with legal standing, insurance, money for legal fees and a management committee, all within the space of 8 weeks and then take on the running of a hall that the professional might of Culture and Sport Glasgow cannot manage. This is precisely the role that Culture and Sport Glasgow were meant to be better at than the council and here we have them doing Labour's dirty work for them and telling the community at the eleventh hour that the last public hall in the area is to shut. "

Councillor Baker added, "The nearest school is shutting soon too. Kelvinhaugh Primary is in a poor state of repair and the only other nearby halls are an Orange Lodge and a Mosque. Call me old fashioned, but I think this is what councils and councillors are elected to provide for the public. I think we should find the funds to keep this centre open and in council management. The Greens will be putting amendments to Labours Cuts Budget that will enable Overnewton to stay open."

Editor's notes

1. Green Councillors budget proposals provide funding from a city centre parking charge increase and staff mileage reductions to cover the running costs and refurbishment of six centres proposed for closure. These centres are Ledgowan Tenants Hall, Argo Recreation Centre, Red Road Recreation Centre, West Drumoyne Tenants Hall, Lorne Street Centre, and Overnewton Community Centre.

2.  Further information from:
Bailie Dr Nina Baker, 07745 894 861
nina.baker@glasgow.gov.uk

3. Save Overnewton Community Centre link at http://www.saveovernewton.org/

4. Photo opportunity 0900-0930 Wednesday 27th January 2010 at Overnewton Square


Kieran Wild - Glasgow and West of Scotland Green Party Communications
07840 863508
kieran@glasgowgreens.org