Centre to stay open but there’s no more money

Centre to stay open but there’s no more money

2 May 2012

THE Saint Patrick Centre will remain open for at least another year after successful talks avoided a closure crisis.

Centre officials and members of Down Council’s Saint Patrick’s working party met last Wednesday night to discuss the planned closure of the centre on April 30 following a £20,000 cut in the council’s annual grant to the complex.

Centre directors had felt it was impossible to keep the centre open in any meaningful way because of the cuts which were imposed on them by councillors without any consultation or prior warning.

Councillors had decided to cut the grant to £115,000 and had insisted the centre directors sign a Service Level Agreement before any money would be handed over.

However, after the meeting, which cleared the air between the two sides, it was agreed the centre would remain open and there would be further meetings.

But crucially councillors did not offer any more money to the centre and only offered to help centre managers identify savings and to help attract more visitors.

It is understood the centre managers must now identify £30,000 in savings and new revenue if they are to successfully trade through the existing financial year.

Both sides agreed to say nothing publicly about the meeting or the future plans beyond a vague statement: “The council and the centre had a fruitful meeting with both sides committed to a successful outcome. There was a duty of purpose in driving the centre forward and ensuring the centre remains open.

“The meeting was characterised by determination to be successful and future meetings will take place.”

After the meeting the chairman of the St. Patrick’s Centre’s management board, Jack Ferris, announced his intention to tender his resignation. He declined to make any statement until his resignation letter has been discussed by the Board.

Alliance councillor Patrick Clarke has voiced his ‘serious disappointment’ at the lack of clear information being given about last week’s talks.

Mr. Clarke, who was not involved in last week’s discussions, said he is deeply frustrated about the conflicting information being given about the recent negotiations and the signing of the Service Level Agreement.

“I find it also very disappointing that negotiations are being kept very confidential within senior management of Down District Council and from me as an Alliance councillor regarding ratepayers money subsidising the St. Patrick’s Centre,” said the Newcastle councillor.

“It is disappointing that councillors from the smaller political parties are being kept in the dark regarding the future of the centre.”