Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre has this week been handed a £5,000 boost from the town council.
It comes after Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham and Highbridge Community Association which runs the centre, approached the council for cash to continue its regeneration project at the property in Berrow Road.
He revealed that the association has a shortfall of £16,000.
“The grant request was for £5,000 towards the shortfall with the community centre raising funds to top up the grants recently received from environmental firm Viridor,” a council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Members of the centre’s management committee have given personal guarantees up to £20,000 to cover any shortfall so that the work can start as soon as possible, thus avoiding any risk of further increases in the costs associated with the increase in VAT next year or other unforseen costs due to delays.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report in May that the association had been awarded a £135,000 grant from Viridor’s Landfill Communities Fund towards the cost of the building’s much-needed modernisation.
Mr Hindle told Burnham-On-Sea.com he is “delighted” at the town council’s decision, adding that the grant would be used towards the overhaul of the centre, plus outside improvements.
“The centre is a valuable resource that’s home to 60 groups attracting more than 1,500 visitors every month. This building is the centre of the community for many people here in Burnham,” he added.
“This is one of the last surviving historical buildings in the town. Part of Burnham’s history would be lost if it ever were to go.”
The centre dates back to 1837 and is currently used by groups whose subject matter is as diverse as arts, crafts, exercise and faith groups. It is also home to Burnham Model Railway Club and Burnham War Games Society.
