1 May 2018
The Green Group of Councillors have commented on news that The Bridge Community Centre has closed down.
Convenor of the Green Group, Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty said:
“Greens are deeply saddened to hear of the closure of one of the city’s most important community centres – the Bridge, in Moulsecoomb. The Bridge was able to help people we as a council or the other authorities couldn’t – and it’s a huge blow to residents, particularly in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, who will now lose a space known for its welcoming and inclusive work. The Bridge offered over 120 courses, back-to-work support, literacy for adults and a hugely successful volunteering programme. It equipped some of our most vulnerable residents with the skills and motivation to turn their lives around.
“For such an important community hub to fold under Labour is a disgrace. But sadly it’s not the first – had there not been the spotlight of East Brighton by-election we would have lost the Whitehawk Inn too. Labour is notionally committed to the “pivotal role of the community sector” in the Fairness Commission; but how many community organisations must we see go to the wall under the Labour Council’s watch?
“Sources of funding are disappearing at an alarming rate under the Conservative Government’s relentless austerity programme and my fear is that without additional support, more community groups in our city will fail.
“Greens in power did everything we could to keep the Bridge viable- working with the Albion and others to keep it running for the community. Why didn’t Labour? New leader of the local Labour group, Cllr Daniel Yates, has claimed recently he wants to listen to the community – but the Bridge is in his own ward. We urgently need answers on how Labour is going to support our key community organisations into the future.”