Prestwick community centre needs £200k for running repairs

Jul 23 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

ONE of Ayrshire’s most popular community halls faces a financial crisis.

Council chiefs have admitted they must find £200,000 over the next four years for the centre in Prestwick.

And running repairs, which include a new roof, are needed to keep the facility alive.

Now South Ayrshire bosses have been urged to find a business plan that will keep the vital building open.

Prestwick councillor Helen Moonie says something must be done before it’s too late.

She insisted: “The reality of the situation is that surveyors examined Prestwick community centre and say the building has £200,000 of outstanding repair costs.

“Those are needed before 2014 and we now have to act.

“This is one of Ayrshire’s most important community facilities and we must explore all options to keep it functioning.

“But I think the problems being experienced in Prestwick will be felt all over Ayrshire in the coming years.

“There are a lot of buildings likely to come under threat if we don’t act quickly and this can’t go on indefinitely.”

Prestwick community centre, a former public school, has played a central part in the town’s life for more than a century.

And Hugh Hunter, Conservative councillor for Prestwick, is confident about the building’s future.

He said: “As far as I’m concerned, there is no suggestion of the community centre being under threat or closing down.

“The council are running it as normal and will continue to do so until a suitable financial solution is found.

“It has been established that £200,000 is needed over the coming years, but I’m sure the council will work hard to find that and keep the centre operational.”

Groups ranging from pre-school clubs to badminton and karate classes all meet at the popular centre.

And councillor Moonie insists their future must be protected for the good of the town.

She said: “The community centre means a great deal to Prestwick and unless we face up to the fact that it, along with many other community facilities in South Ayrshire need money, they will find themselves in great difficulties.”