Closure threat (From Barry And District News)

Closure threat

RHOOSE residents are set to fight for a vital community facility facing certain closure. Locals are up in arms over a Royal Air Force cost-cutting exercise that will force the East Camp community centre to close down.

Carole Roberts, manager of the site, which is based in the soon to be closed building at St Athan, said the shop was crucial to the community.

She told the News: "The shop opened in 1966 when officers' wives set up a small 'exchange' for families. Its popularity grew and we moved into the centre for more space. "Some of my staff have worked here since the 'Thrift Shop' opened. Gwynneth Watson has loyally volunteered for over thirty years."

The 'Thrift Shop' sells everything from clothing and toys to small items of furniture, prams and bikes.

Mrs Roberts added: "The vendor gets 75 percent of the money from the sale, and 25 percent goes into a fund for charities. It's not unknown to take £500 in a morning. "And what clothing we can't sell is sent to charitable institutions."

But she is not just concerned about the loss to charity, she feels the whole area will be affected.

"It's not just the Thrift Shop in this building. There's an advice bureau, legal advice sessions and a police office, a mother and toddler group, a coffee shop, victim support, and hair and beauty sessions."

"It's a wonderful centre used by the whole community. As less people travel to the centre, the bus company will have to withdraw the service. Then we will be totally isolated.

"They've offered the 'Thrift Shop' one portable cabin which is nowhere near big enough for our stock. But if I don't take it, it will be seen as me refusing the solution. That will put my two paid-for staff in an awkward position."

An RAF spokesman said: "We deeply regret the decision to close the East Camp Community Centre as part of our rationalisation of welfare and support services on the base. The draw-down of RAF military personnel could not justify both the East and West camp centres remaining open. The East Camp centre was chosen because of the high maintenance costs, which have become prohibitive."