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.