26 Duddingston Crescent, Newton

info@newtoncommunitycentre.org

Focus Group Cancelled

Update on response to West Lothian Council’s consultation process.

It is with regret that we have to cancel the Focus group meeting on Sunday 3rd November as we did not have enough numbers to proceed.

We would like draw attention to the intervention of Fiona Hyslop MSP who has called the Council to rethink their plans.

http://www.fionahyslop.com/news/fiona-hyslop-msp-calls-on-west-lothian-council-to-rethink-plans-on-community-asset-transfer/

The Management Committee is in agreement with the sentiment put forward by her, that “ by off-loading responsibility on to community volunteers, the Council are placing a serious burden of responsibility and risk on a small number of volunteers who have varying levels of experience and expertise. Giving this responsibility to the Management Committees, who may struggle with the financial commitment required to keep the community centres open is not responsible and will risk the future stability of the centres.”

With that in mind the Management Committee are proposing that we make a submission to the Council that neither of the three options are feasible for us and then await a further proposal from the council.

Our understanding is that we should submit in January 2025 and reviews will take place in the months that follows.

Decisions will be dependant on what other committees decide to do.

Day to day running would not be affected until April 2026 so it would remain business as usual until then, perhaps with a revised charging model.

The committee are offering two drop in sessions to the community to come and engage with us on this proposal.

November 13th 1830-1930          

In Person drop in session at the community centre

November 14th 1930-2030           

Online Teams Drop in session

Please email us at info@newtoncommunitycentre.org if you would like a link to join online.

Committee members will be available in person/online for those with feedback, questions or ideas they would put forward.

Newton Community & Education Centre Management Committee – Be part of the solution

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