‘Vital’ centre closing due to rent rise
PARENTS’ CONCERN AT LOSS OF SUPPORT SERVICES BUT CHARITY SEEKS NEW VENUE
THE closure of a vital youth and community centre in Nottingham will plunge families into turmoil, parents say.
The Nottinghamshire YMCA Youth and Community Centre, in Aspley’s Melbourne Park, provided a number of services such as childcare, sports activities and room hire for birthday parties.
However, the charity announced that it would not be renewing its lease on the building due to an “unsustainable increase in the council’s rent expectations”.
It is now no longer taking bookings for its services.
The closure of the facility, described as “vital” to the community, has prompted an outcry from parents who rely on its services, particularly childcare.
Rebecca Mewland, who lives in Aspley and has two children aged six and nine, told the Post it would seriously affect single mums who are trying to work, like herself.
Ms Mewland, who works for a pharmaceutical company and is required to travel to London during the week, said: “There are about 30 children from Whitemoor on and off.
“I have not got a mum and my dad is in the retirement home. I have to go to London quite a bit. I am okay and my friends are OK up until September when it is going to be a nightmare.
“I found out it is £6.90 per hour for child care. For two children that works out to nearly £1,000 per month.
“I am on my own trying to bring my kids up. There has got to be provision for people and there is no-one else or nothing else in the local area.
“Single mothers are trying to work, like me, and bring a wage for two people and I am being penalised.
“Last week, I was ringing everywhere to see what I could sort out.”
Nottinghamshire YMCA says another venue is being sought to run its services from, but at present, there are no arrangements.
In a statement on its website, the charity said: “After 16 wonderful years serving the local Aspley community, it is with great regret that Nottinghamshire YMCA has decided the charity will not be renewing the lease at the Youth and Community Centre in Melbourne Park and will no longer be taking bookings for activities at this venue.
“This difficult decision has been reached due to an unsustainable increase in the council’s rent expectations.
“Whilst the future of how YMCA’S Aspley-based services will be delivered is uncertain at present, we would like to reassure you that we still fully intend to continue operating in this area.
“Since introducing programmes into Melbourne Park in 2005, YMCA has empowered community members to come together and enjoy everything from fun youth activities such as YMCA Onside, Adventure Guides and birthday parties to sports, adult fitness classes, training opportunities, bingo, access to mental health support and more.”
A Nottingham City Council spokesman added: “We’ve worked closely with the YMCA to try to agree an extension to their tenancy at Melbourne Park, which officially expired in March.
“We offered them the length of lease they were looking for but we were unfortunately unable to agree terms. They previously had a service-level agreement with the council to provide activities at this venue, and they were charged a concessionary rent as a result.”
He added: “Without an agreement in place, we have to be able to demonstrate we are achieving market rent for any of our properties – this ensures fairness across the city and best value for taxpayers. We value the services the YMCA offer to the local community and have agreed a temporary sixmonth lease from April 1 to allow them to transition the services run from the venue.”
There has got to be provision for people and there is no one or nothing else in the local area Rebecca Mewland