Celebrations are underway at Burnham-On-Sea’s Community Centre this week after it received a massive £135,000 windfall, we can reveal.
The centre in Berrow Road has been awarded a huge grant from environmental company Viridor’s Landfill Communities Fund towards the cost of the building’s much-needed modernisation.
Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, which oversees the building, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Everyone is so excited about the news. The funding is a huge boost that will enable us to modernise the centre’s facilities.”
He explained that in order for the grant to be handed over, the centre needs to raise £3,813 so that it can fulfill its obligation of raising a 10% contribution towards the overall grant.
“The Friends of the Community Centre have already raised £10,000 and we need a further £3,800 in order to complete our side of the agreement,” explained Mr Hindle.
He said the grant will be used towards an overhaul of the centre’s toilets and kitchen, creating new disabled toilet facilities, bringing an old room into use as a community hub, and introducing a new meeting room.
“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.”
“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. The hall was taken over by the Community Association in 1971 and has 60 years left on its full repair lease.
Viridor Credits Environmental Company distributes funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. The funding is available for community and environmental improvement projects within ten miles of an active Viridor management landfill site. Since 1996, Viridor has allocated over £70m to over a thousand projects across the UK.
