Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, calls on West Lothian Council to rethink plans to have Management Committees of Community Centres take on ownership and responsibility of the buildings.
West Lothian Council are proposing Community Asset Transfers for 34 Community Centres and Village Halls in West Lothian, with a consultation with Management Committees on the future provision of Community Centres and Village Halls currently under way.
Commenting Fiona said:
“I have been contacted by local Management Committees who are concerned following the announcement of West Lothian Council’s proposals to have Management Committees take on responsibility for Community Centres and Village Halls.
“The proposals would see the ownership and responsibility of 34 community centres in West Lothian transferred to Management Committees, with 17 of these in my Constituency.
“I am concerned at this announcement, as by off-loading responsibility on to community volunteers, the Council are placing a serious burden of responsibility and risk on a small number of volunteers who have varying levels of experience and expertise. Giving this responsibility to the Management Committees, who may struggle with the financial commitment required to keep the community centres open is not responsible and will risk the future stability of the centres.
“Community Asset Transfers can be a positive development when it is requested by community organisations, but wholesale imposition under threat of closure goes against the ethos of positive partnership working with volunteer led community groups.
“Community Centres are a valuable asset to many in my Constituency, particularly youth groups, which offer young people the opportunity to develop important life skills. Community activities in Community Centres are also vital for older people, providing support and a social network which they may not have outside of community activities.
“I have written to the Chief Executive of West Lothian Council to express my views on this decision and to share the concerns of my Constituents and have asked that they reconsider these plans.
“I will continue to update my Constituents on my work on this important issue.”
ENDS