A POPULAR pensioners’ club in Abergele is facing an uncertain future after news that the building is likely to be sold.
Abergele councillors and Clwyd West AM Darren Millar have voiced their concerns at news the British Red Cross has published a notice of their intention to sell the community building that houses the Old People’s Club close to the centre of the town.
The Church Street facility provides a variety of activities for the Abergele community such as dancing and singing and is a popular venue for groups to hold meetings, with campaigners stressing the need for it to stay in the town centre.
Mr Millar, who has asked for an urgent meeting with the British Red Cross to discuss the situation, said: “The Abergele Old Peoples’ Club is a much-loved and well used facility which plays host to a large number of community activities every week. It would be a huge blow to the town if it was to be lost.
“I am very disappointed at the timing of the publication of this notice given the Christmas period. It does not allow sufficient time for people make representations on these plans.”
The matter was discussed by town councillors last week.
Cllr Delyth MacRae, the town’s Mayor said: “This is a much used room and an important community facility. It is vital the people of the town become aware of this issue and the potential consequences for Abergele.”
Another reason for the level of opposition has been how the building, located behind St Michael’s Church, was donated to the town and is viewed as an important part of its heritage.
Cllr Tim Rowlands, of Gele Ward on Conwy County Council, said: “This property and the adjacent cottages were gifted to the town by the late Robert Roberts for the benefit of the elderly of Abergele – to see them sold off does not seem right at all.”
But some assurances for its immediate future have been given by the club this week.
A spokesman for the club’s trustees said: “We have agreed a very long lease and therefore believe we will be safe for the next few years regardless of whether there is a sale.”
The British Red Cross Society, the trustee of The Charity of Richard Roberts for Old Age Pensioners has issued assurances about the future of the club.
A spokeswoman said: “Number 3 Church Street is leased to the Abergele Old People's Club under terms that are fully consistent with the trusts of the charity.
“It is proposed that the properties are offered for sale so the income can be used more effectively to provide facilities or recreational activities for elderly people in Abergele and the surrounding neighbourhood.
“The lease of number 3 Church Street to Abergele Old People's Club will not be affected by the proposed sale and the club will continue to be entitled to use the building as before. The proceeds of sale will be treated as a permanent endowment.”
Any objections to, or comments on these proposals should be sent in writing by February 4 to Martin Daniel at The British Red Cross Society, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL or MDaniel@redcross.org.uk.