Kirkcaldy community centre at risk of collapse
The Linton Lane Centre in Kirkcaldy is at risk of collapse if vital funding is not secured to keep it open after the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
The centre has launched a Crowdfunder to try and raise the funds needed to remain open as classes and programmes that generate income for the centre have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hide AdThe facility is one of Kirkcaldy’s longest running community centres, which was founded in 1926 as Kirkcaldy Boys’ Club.
For decades it has been a thriving hub of activity which provides a home for essential services such as nursery day care, child health clinics, advice on addiction and mental health support as well as a venue for the Kirkcaldy Foodbank.
There are also numerous recreational groups which normally operate at the centre such as Stages Dance School, The Grey Panthers Senior Citizen Group, Kirkcaldy Amateur Dramatic Society, several craft groups and fitness classes.
Mandy Henderson, centre manager said: “We have launched a Crowdfunder page as we will lose nearly £17,500 in revenue if we are closed to groups until July.
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Hide Ad“We applied to the Third Sector for funding, and we have been awarded £6080 which is greatly appreciated as we know this funding needs to be shared with so many other worthy causes, but we are still going to struggle.
“All our staff, apart from myself have been furloughed on full pay and we will claim back the 80% from the government when we can. The board did not want any members of staff, who all give so much to the centre, to be in any financial difficulty due to the closure of the centre.”
Even though the centre is closed to usual daily operations, it remains partially open as one of Kirkcaldy Foodbank’s main distribution points.
“We are open for the foodbank and will remain open to make sure the foodbank gets all the support it needs, and for everyone in the community who needs our support also.
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Hide Ad“Over 100 food parcels were given out at the centre last week from the foodbank. It is imperative that we remain open to provide this essential service,” she said.
Mandy adds that the Linton Lane Centre has been at the heart of the community for over half a century: “The centre has been in the community since 1966 and we need to ensure our doors open again.
“We support the whole of the community, our programmes covers toddlers to senior citizens, support services such as ADAPT, SAMH, Headway and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland to name a few.
“People know they can come to us at anytime and we will help them or we will find the support that they need.
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Hide Ad“So far we have raised £747 which is amazing and I would like to thank everyone who has donated, we need to reach out now to ask for support from the public, no matter how small, please help us to remain in the heart of the community.”
Lorraine Wilkinson, chairman of the Linton Lane Centre said: “We have no revenue coming into the centre at all at the moment due to everything being on lockdown, the centre is really struggling and if we don’t do something to raise funds the future of the centre is uncertain.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the centre already, and I would like to thank all of our staff, especially Mandy who is such an amazing manager who always goes the extra mile to support everyone that works and visits the Linton Lane Centre.
“I would also like to ask people to donate to our crowdfunder, even if it is only a pound or two every little will help to ensure that the centre remains part of the community.”
To donate to the Linton Lane Centre Crowdfunder visit:
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