THE British Red Cross Society has issued assurances about the future of the Old People’s Club, Abergele.
After councillors and Clwyd West AM Darren Millar voiced their fears about a possible closure of the Church Street buildings that house the club, the Red Cross society has sought to clarify its position.
The society is the trustee of The Charity of Richard Roberts for Old Age Pensioners, which owns 1-3 Church Street, Abergele, and has insisted it will continue to support elderly people in the town.
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.”
In another development, Clwyd West MP David Jones has announced he will hold a meeting with senior officials of the Red Cross society at Westminster in the New Year to discuss the proposed sale.
Mr Jones, who has been contacted by several constituents with their concerns on the matter, said: “It is very regrettable that the British Red Cross Society did not give prior notice of its proposal to sell the building. The local groups who use it feel very strongly that there should have been considerably more consultation.”
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.