Wolverhampton activity centre will survive, vow bosses
An under-threat activity centre will stay open, bosses pledged today – as they launched an appeal for people to help secure its future.
Wildside Activity Centre, in Wolverhampton, had been facing uncertainty after it was announced the cash-strapped local authority would be axing its £73,000-a-year grant.
The centre, in Whitmore Reans, provides outdoor activities for schools and families in the city.
Bosses today said the decision to keep the centre open had not been taken lightly and would mean hard work ahead.
But they said with a more commercial focus, greater help from volunteers and more partnership work, they should be able to keep activities going.
It will also mean some job losses at the centre, while a 'more commercial approach' would need to be taken to prices.
Liz Hoggarth, chairman of Wildside's board, said: "The good news is that the board has taken the decision to keep the centre open.
"Nobody wants to lose Wildside and all it has meant to people over the last 25 years.
"It stands for getting outdoors and protecting the natural world and we need to hold on to those values."
She said there had been lots of positive comments about the centre since news of the loss of the grant was announced.
"The decision to carry on has not been taken lightly," added Mrs Hoggarth.
"It will involve lots more volunteer effort and work with key partners and funders.
The centre is now urging people to do their bit to help the centre.
To help Wildside contact 01902 572240.
