News / Freefield negotiations
A FINAL decision on the future of the old folk’s lunch club in the Freefield Centre will be taken by councillors in the middle of April.
The popular centre has been threatened with closure since the beginning of last year as Shetland Islands Council is tightening its belt and reigning in on non-statutory spending.
Following an outcry from the community, pensioners, social service staff and voluntary groups have been looking into alternative uses of the building at Lerwick’s North Road.
A report before Friday’s social services committee said no viable alternative had been found and recommended closing the facility at the end of May to save £80,000 per annum.
However, further talks initiated by social services vice chairman Allison (Flea) Duncan have now been allowed to continue into April with the view to relocate the lunch club, possibly to the Islesburgh Community Centre.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.