Walsall community group forced to close after 143 per cent rent rise
A community group providing services for more than 2,000 people each week is closing due to rising rents, it was revealed today.
Pool Hayes Community Association in Walsall will fold at the end of April after 32 years because costs have rocketed by 143 per cent. The group pays rent to use buildings on the Pool Hayes Arts and Community School site. But bosses say the increases imposed by the school – which would have added thousands to the annual bill – mean it cannot makes end meet.
The association holds a senior citizens group, youth clubs, school holiday playschemes and stroke rehabilitation sessions, as well as leasing out its rooms for functions and sports teams. Organisers say they are trying to find new locations for some of the activities but admit hundreds of people will be hit.
It costs more than £100,000 to keep the association running each year, with up to £60,000 coming from NHS and council grants and the rest from entry fees and membership.
The school argues that it has kept rates down for years but can no longer afford to help keep the association going.
A public meeting has already been planned for April 7 at the Willenhall Chart Centre in Gomer Street for people to raise their views.
The decision to close on April 30 was made by the board of trustees. Principal officer Wayne Palmer said: "Although this decision was not taken lightly by the Trustees they had no alternative option due to the 143 per cent increase in premise costs levied by the school for the use of the facilities.
"It is with regret that such a decision has had to be made following a successful 32 years of trading but as our income is not increasing there are little monies available to cover the massive rise that has been imposed on us by the school."
He would not reveal how much the association currently pays the school and what the new fees would have been.
But he said the increase would have added 'thousands' to the annual bill.
He added: "We have a footfall of about 2,000 each week, this includes a lot of young people who use the sports hall in the evening but also our regular groups. But it has got to the point where the sums do not add up."
Headteacher Matt Allman said:
"The community association's reduced funding is reflected in our own and we are unfortunately not in a position to financially assist."
