A WHITCHURCH community centre has been given a financial lifeline thanks to a £5,000 donation from the town council.

The Beechtree Community Centre, based in Claypit Street, provides a space for people of all ages to meet and spend time together in a safe environment.

But the centre has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and is now desperately low on funds after being closed for a long time.

At Whitchurch Town Council's full council meeting, held on Thursday, October 22, Will McDonnell, from the centre, spoke about the urgent need for funding.

Mr McDonnell explained that the Beechtree funds had taken a severe drop in income because of lockdown and the end of furlough, and were down to its final few thousand pounds in the bank – with wages, maintenance costs and utilities still to be paid.

Some redundancies had already been made and all remaining staff were working shorter hours.

He explained that funding was picking up with the return of mental health counsellors via room hire, but for the next several months the Beechtree would be in grave financial difficulties.

He said: "The fact is we’re very short of funds.

"If the town lost an institution such as the Beechtree it would be a great loss for the town.

"It’s a plea, if you have any money to spare, we would be very, very pleased if you could donate."

Councillor Paul Busby suggested giving the centre a donation of £5,000 up front, with the potential for more funding at a later date.

He said: "The funds are there and we can now do something truly beneficial.

"We want to give them that opportunity thy can continue properly. This is not enough though, we should be doing more.

"What I’m asked the council today is to give them that £5,000 as a steppingstone, so next time they are here we can give them more."

Mr McDonnell explained that in order to survive, the centre would need around £15,000 in the long-term.

Councillors discussed giving the £5,000 as a donation from the council's general reserves, with the aim at looking at a longer-term solution next month.

Cllr John Martin said: "I think we’ve got the money, it’s if we want to pay it and how to pay it.

"Couldn’t we make a grant today for general expenses and come back again in November?"

Cllr Busby agreed with this idea, and said it was a matter of urgency.

"This is something the town needs, not wants, needs," he said.

"The financial difficulties they are facing leaves them short on time.

"I would ask that all councillors be understanding of this and be behind this, but I do think we need to get this money over to them soon."

Councillors then voted on the motion to gift the Beechtree Centre £5,000 from general reserves, which was carried.