VOLUNTEERS at Lymm Youth and Community Centre are celebrating as a new 30 year lease was signed securing the centre for local people for just one peppercorn rent each year.
Warrington Borough Council has transferred management of the Centre to the village as a Community Asset Transfer.
The Centre is entirely run by volunteers from the local community and is self-sustaining without any regular income from the Local Authority, supporting itself by fundraising and DIY maintenance by its volunteers. Its monthly meetings at 7.30pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month are open to everyone.
The Centre organises several popular events staffed by its volunteers including monthly Artisan and Antiques Markets, Senior Socials, Film Shows, weekly Young Peoples Clubs, and Thursday Market Day Breakfasts. It provides a venue for outside groups such as, Street Dance, Theatre Arts School, Keep Fit, Budo and even private Birthday Parties to hire at competitive rates; and supports community groups such as Messy Church, Domville Lodge, Indoor Bowls and Table Tennis, as well as playing a full part in local events such as Lymm Duck Race, Lymm May Queen, Lymm Festival, International Women’s Day, Lymm Historic Transport Festival Lymm Dickensian Christmas etc.
Steve Griffiths, Chairman, said; “We are absolutely delighted to have signed up for 30 years for just 30 Peppercorns (and quite a bit of hard work by our committed volunteers who manage and operate the Centre for the local community each and every day of the year). We are very conscious that Warrington Borough Council put its trust in us to manage this facility is not just for Lymm Youth and Community Association but for all local organisations and individuals. We hope everyone will be satisfied with our efforts both now and for the future”
Parish Councillor Joe Griffiths and Volunteer at the Centre commented “This good news coincides with major renovations to the premises as the result of a substantial grant from WREN and additional grants from the Stronger Together Local Fund, Lymm Parish Council and Warrington Borough Council. These works will improve access and facilities for disabled and older people, as well as improving the external appearance of the premises. We look forward to showing our premises to the community at an Open Day in the Summer”
Parish Councillor Su Williams, Volunteer at the Centre, said: “I am so pleased that we now know that this wonderful facility will be safe for 30 years and will continue provide support for the Young, Old, Disabled and Disadvantaged in our community who increasingly need it as a social provision for their welfare.”
Pictures show Chairman Steve Griffiths (left) looks on as long serving Volunteer Don Smith witnesses his signature and top Parish Councillor Su Williams holds out 30 year’s rent, while volunteers Jenny Kinder and Joe Griffiths look on.
