Bathgate community groups have benefited from almost £30,000 of donations from the town’s community centre space.
That will come to an end now the decision has been taken by the management committee to dissolve itself.
The loss of community funding was shared with councillors this morning ahead of an expected debate on community centre plans which, in the event, did not take place.
Bathgate is one of over 30 centres facing management changes as the council tries to save more than £1m in the running of community spaces across the county.
The council has argued that the existing model, where it picks up the running costs bill while management committees disperse income, is unsustainable.
Donald Stavert, who leads the review of the Bathgate Community Centre told councillors : “The Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee have just sent… [ the council’s Customer & Community Service Manager] … a copy of the financial donations the committee has made to local organisations from their funds in the last four years.
“It’s over £26,000. These donations will not be available when the default position goes into effect as the budget demands including non-domestic rates will not allow it.”
Mr Stavert added: “This will be multiplied across most Community Centres and should be taken into account when you get a report in October.
“Perhaps the other community centres should be asked. We weren’t but we supplied the information for your considerations.”
The council has encouraged management committees to either assume ownership and full costs or sign new leases. User groups face an increase is rental costs for the halls.
Earlier this month the management committee told the council it would not agree to the plans. It had earlier told the LDRS that it would dissolve in March next year before the council is expected to assume management and letting of the community space in the Bathgate Partnership building in South Bridge Street.
The money raised for the community groups has come from cash raised by the committee from letting of the public space.
As the LDRS reported recently, in its response the management committee told the council: “We have come to the conclusion that the recharge sum required of £70,000 is too much and that we would never raise that sort of money annually without commercialising the community centre and running it as a profit-making company which would defeat our charitable objectives and the whole ethos of a centre for community enhancement and development which is affordable to all.”
In its communication to council officers and councillors, Mr Stavert said: “You have left us with no option but to reject the only option you offered us.”
Among the groups which have benefited include Bathgate Thistle, Bathgate Procession, West Lothian Riding for the Disabled, Bathgate Band, The local Community Development Trust and the Air Cadets.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
