Vital Kirkcaldy community hub re-starts - but no date for return of seniors

After five months of reduced operations due to coronavirus restrictions, Linton Lane Centre in Templehall is finally opening its doors to let some of its classes resume.

The future of the much loved community centre – part of Kirkcaldy for over 50 years – looked bleak at the start of lockdown.

It was revealed that, without financial support, it might have had to close its doors as social distancing rules meant that it had to cancel all of its programmes.

But, a heroic campaign raised £18,000 to secure its future - thanks to the dedicated staff, people and businesses who donated, along with scores of other supporters.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/new-advice-fife-parents-pupils-told-wear-face-masks-2957556

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/fife-street-blocked-firefighters-tackle-blaze-2959188

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/kirkcaldy-support-groups-roundabout-takeover-hailed-success-2958335

However, as the centre slowly returns to normal with SAMH, Stages Dance School, Karate and Happy Hoppers staring classes this week and next, concerns are being raised as to when its senior groups can return.

Mandy Henderson, centre manager said: “SAMH and Stages are back, Happy Hoppers start back next Monday and karate classes will be starting back on the tenth of this month for non-contact training.

"This is great news, but we are concerned that we still cannot open for our senior groups.

“We have been told to follow the government guidelines regarding when they are allowed back, but they are very confusing as to who, and what, can open and when.

"We need answers over when we can bring them back. We are doing everything that we can to make sure our seniors are not totally isolated by delivering lunches and gift baskets, and just popping round for a cup of coffee and a chat.

"They need the chatter of the centre. It is a big part of their lives - a lot of our seniors live by themselves and are facing extreme loneliness.

"Winter is just around the corner and it will be getting dark earlier, can you imagine not seeing anyone for five months and having to close your curtains at five o'clock – we are really concerned for their mental health well being.”

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers - the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen and East Fife Mail.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press