Brierley Hill Age UK centre to shut in December after £300k funding cut

A popular activity centre for the elderly will close its doors at the end of December due to lack of funding, it has been announced.

The Age UK Springboard activity centre based at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill, had £300,000 of its funding cut by Dudley Council in July.

Now up to 700 clients will lose access to a vast variety of activities including exercise classes, ballroom dancing, arts and crafts and photography.

Devastated staff say that the closure was 'unavoidable' and that they are 'concerned' for their huge client base who visit and benefit from the project's activities each week.

Alison Pugh, acting Springboard coordinator, said: "It is with great sadness that Springboard, a much loved service has to close.

"Springboard has made a huge positive impact on people's health and wellbeing in Dudley Borough in its various forms since 2003.

"The time, commitment and dedication involved to build this success story should not be underestimated and sadly the closure will affect a lot of older people resident in the borough."

The centre had received funding from The National Lottery for the past six years but had also its latest application refused earlier this year.

The centre has 53 staff and more than 300 volunteers who run various health and wellbeing activities for those aged 50 to 100.

Councillor Zafar Islam, who represents the Brierley Hill ward, said: "I think sadly it has been a situation where an extensive consultation took place with Age UK and now some people will lose out and be disadvantaged by this decision.

"It's a question of trying to save front line services and consolidate where we can.

"But I believe that considerable talks took place over this.

"The centre has served more than just the ward - it is a shame."

A Springboard client from Stourbridge, who did not wish to be named, said: "Since the death of my husband I have felt so lonely and left out, Springboard has encouraged me to get my life back together.

"I will be so sad to see the centre close."

The last activity will be the Christmas Party at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on December 7. Tickets are still available by calling 01384 571830 and priced at £15 per person.

For further information on the closure of Springboard call 01384 571830 or email springboard@ageukdudley.org.uk.