Could there still be a future for Ellon's Castlepark Community Centre?
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Following the announcement in early July of the potential closure of a community facility in Ellon, moves are being made to try and protect its use.
Castlepark Community Centre saw the decision taken to close it on a permanent basis.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson explained at the time : “Castlepark Community House was gifted to the community as part of the development at Castlepark with the intention that it be a community run facility.
“Over many years Aberdeenshire Council’s Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) service, who administer the facility until it is transferred, has worked with the group and the Formartine Area Office to progress a transfer to full community ownership.
"Unfortunately, this has not been progressed.
"LLA is not in a position to run the facility as a community centre but would welcome a group taking it on to run for the benefit of the community, as was originally intended.
“Aberdeenshire Council will continue to guide interested groups through the asset transfer process, which may include registering with the Office of the Scottish Charity Register and the production of a business case, cash flow, constitution etc.
"During this transition period, LLA is working with the current users of the building to find suitable accommodation within existing facilities.”
Residents responded to the potential loss and have been investigating how the running issue could be resolved.
With this in mind a public meeting will be held in the Community House on Thursday, August 10 at 7.45pm and there is particular request if any builders or surveyors in the community could attend as their assistance may be required.
A community committee would need to be formed to allow transfer of the house to the community and it would also need to be registered to charitable status which the council has confirmed they will assist with.
