'Save our centre' campaign begins

Published 18 Jan 2012 08:00 2 Comments

THE signs were this week more encouraging that Lochgelly's new learning centre can be saved.

Concerns raised over the future of Lochgelly Miners Institute were discussed this week when local MP Gordon Brown met up with business man Bob Purvis and Adam Smith College Principal Craig Thomson.

Mr Brown organised the meeting as a result of receiving a number of enquiries from local people who are concerned about the future of the newly refurbished building following the announcement that the Fife Women's Technology Centre, which is a partner in the building, is to close its doors for the last time in the first half of this year.

Mr Purvis, whose company carried out the refurbishment work on the building which transformed it from a derelict remnant of the mining industry into a modern learning centre, had also contacted the MP to voice his concerns about its future.

Adam Smith College have said they remain committed to maintaining a base within the Lochgelly Institute but have warned that if Fife Council pull out all its funding as a result of the Women's Technology Centre closure the college will find it difficult to sustain the

facility.

Principal, Craig Thomson, told the meeting that Fife Council is a partner in the building and all the projections for sustaining the services were based on a partnership with the council and a shared responsibility for the costs.

Mr Thomson said, "If the council were to now pull out completely then that would threaten the viability of the future of the centre".

Mr Brown said, "This is a great facility and it was a great moment for Lochgelly and Fife when we saw the Institute come back to life after it was so close to dereliction.

"I believe that the education and skills needs of this area warrant such a facility and I will be writing to Fife Council asking that they continue to put resources into adult education being delivered from this building and work in partnership with the colleges and other education providers to ensure the future viability of this great Institute".

The college has confirmed that it

has made representations to Fife

Council and is keen that early discussions take place on the future of the

building.

Mr Purvis commented, "We had a good discussion around the issues and the need for this facility.

"So many people have worked hard to see Lochgelly being regenerated and it would be a real shame if this facility were to now close as a result of the council pulling out so I hope everyone will be able to get round the table and find a way forward for this centre and for Lochgelly".

Our picture shows Alex Rowley, Bill Taylor (ASC Director), Craig Thomson, Bob Purvis and Gordon Brown before Monday's meeting at the Institute.

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• 

  Joseph
  Unregistered User
  Jan 29, 12:44
  Report comment

  It was a great day for Lochgelly when the refurbished institute re opened its doors and so it is very crucial for the town to make sure it does not now close. Unemployment and social breakdown are also big challenges for the town so this facility can make a real difference to people’s lives.
  
  It is not right that young people and families think that they can live the rest of their lives drawing money of the state to keep them, so those who can work must work but that said, the state has a role to play in supporting these people to have the skills to get into work. This is why the miners institute has such an important part to play in life in Lochgelly and for the surrounding areas. It is on a main bus route and can offer education and training.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Jimmypaperwatcher
  Unregistered User
  Jan 31, 16:46
  Report comment

  I agree that we need training and skills for people to get off benefits and into work. It is interesting that when any government tries to tackle this issue, there seems to be a great outcry about attacking the less able in our society and yet there are so many people who do not want to work and think it is their right to get paid not to work.
  
  The welfare state was introduced to help those who are not able to help themselves but I am afraid that there are now too many people who don’t want to help themselves, or to put it another way think it is all about helping yourself to all the benefits going while others have to work hard to pay for them. This is not right and should not be defended.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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