Penmaenmawr community facilities could close without funds

Oct 8 2009

AN IT suite and snooker club at Penmaenmawr’s community centre are in danger of closure unless funding can be found to cover the daily running costs.

The community centre on Conwy Road is a registered charity and is not owned by the council. The centre holds regular classes such as Tai Chi, barn dancing, karate and bingo. The computer suite opened just over three years ago.

IT development officer Lian Jones said: "We are appealing for funding to help with the running costs of the IT suite.

"The community centre is a self- funded charity and the building is owned by the community. If we can’t secure funding by May next year then it is likely that I will lose my post and the suite will close.

"We do have volunteers but there is only so much time they can give."

The IT suite has recently been awarded £3,984 by the Awards for All Wales grant funding, but Lian would like to stress that this grant is solely for the IT Suite and not to cover the running costs.

She explained: "No part can be used to fund other areas of the community centre, hence the fundraising ideas."

Bosses at the snooker and billiards club based in the community centre also fear it may close after 86 years without more investment.

They say the club has got funding till March 2010 but fear for the future after that.

Officials at Penmaenmawr Billiards and Snooker Club are worried.

Several famous players have graced its tables over the years, including Australian Eddie Charlton.

Paul Hopkinson, who played against Charlton at Penmaenmawr in 1984, said: "The club started as a Young Men’s Institute in 1923, 86 years ago.

"The snooker club has not had much investment over the years.

"We need a helping hand.

"Funding will go towards the regeneration of the snooker hall and help towards running costs."

Chairman of the community centre John Jones said: "The facilities are in desperate need of funding.

"We need more volunteers to help out in the IT Suite.

"The suite is very popular in the community, but unfortunately we need more funds to keep it going."

Residents are now being urged to bring in their used ink cartridges and toners, old mobile phones and used stamps to support the IT suite. The ink cartridges and toners have to be intact to be recycled.

The centre will receive a donation when items are recycled.

The centre is also registered with a shopping website.

Each time a person uses the link below and purchases from one of the registered retailers the centre receives a donation.

Mr Hopkinson added: "We are looking into organising bric-a-brac sales and table-top sales or coffee mornings and even a sponsored snooker tournament to help with fundraising for the snooker club.

"We are urging residents to get in touch if they would like to help with fundraising."

If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.buy.at/penmaenmawr community centre or drop off unwanted items at the community centre. If you have any fundraising ideas for the snooker club or would like to make a donation, please call 01492 622672, or call Lian at the IT suite on 01492 623970.