News Beat
Fight to save Startforth Community Centre takes step forward
The move follows uncertainty over the future of the centre, near Barnard Castle, which has long been a focal point for the area.
In November, it was revealed the centre faced potential closure, prompting a group of residents to come together to save the building and explore options to keep it in community use.
The group has been working to rebuild activity at the hall while holding discussions with Durham County Council and the Anglican Diocese of Leeds to establish a community asset transfer to them.
Trustee Maggie Rhodes said they have made significant progress in recent weeks, including strengthening their volunteer team and taking formal steps towards applying for the transfer.
She said: “We had a really good meeting with our new volunteers. We’ve now got three trustees on board with a new chairman.
“We’ve had very good discussions with Durham County Council and are progressing our business plan with them for applying for a community asset transfer, and we’ve got some dates for when we’re hoping to get that submitted this year.”
Ms Rhodes added that discussions are also underway with the Diocese regarding the lease for the building.
“We’re also opening discussions with the diocese about the lease. It’s all happening,” the 75-year-old said.
The centre has already begun expanding its activities, with new groups forming and more planned in the coming months. However, Ms Rhodes stressed that there is still plenty of work ahead, particularly around fundraising.
“We’ve got a new group who we’re going to try for a few weeks doing indoor bowls. We’ve also got lots of new activities planned, so everything’s going well at the moment,” she said.
“There’s still an awful lot of work to do. We’re getting together with the new volunteers to put together a fundraising programme for this year, through putting on events at the centre as well. It’s all very busy.”
The community group hopes that securing an asset transfer will help safeguard the centre for future generations and allow it to continue expanding its role.
