Wolverhampton community centre facing battle for survival

Gloucester Street Community Centre in Whitmore Reans has delivered a range of services for residents in the area since it moved to the site from Waterloo Road in 1987.

But the centre has fallen foul of Wolverhampton City Council's sweeping cost-cutting plans, meaning it will have to make do without its £50,000-per-year funding.

Now the centre is calling on local businesses to come to its aid by donating funds.

The cuts mean childcare services, adult education classes, the after school club and breakfast club, the community learning centre, welfare support and job search sessions are all under threat, while nine jobs are hanging in the balance.

Each year, the centre needs £110,000 to stay afloat, £60,000 of which comes from donations, parental contributions towards childcare costs and other sources like the European and Social Fund.

Marcia Williams, from Willenhall, who has run the centre for the past eight years, said: "The council has supported us from day one and we understand they have to make cuts.

"Unfortunately it has left us facing a loss of £50,000 a year. We don't want to have to lay off nine people, but we can't afford to continue in the same way in the current financial position.

"At the moment we are hanging on.

"So much good work is done here. We need all the help we can get so that work can continue."

St Peter's ward Councillor Zahid Shah, who lives in Whitmore Reans, said: "The people here do a fantastic job offering services for the whole community.

"Unemployment in Whitmore Reans is high and so is the crime rate. A lot of people in the community rely on Gloucester Street. It would be a disaster if it was forced to close."

To volunteer to help at the centre or to offer financial support call Mrs Williams on 01902 425461.