Outpouring of support rescues popular community centre from closure threat

A POPULAR community centre and rural hub which looked certain to close in the wake of a funding crisis has been saved after an outpouring of local support.

Members of the public, a mystery philanthropist and the local town and district councils all stepped in to offer their assistance to the Acorn Centre in Todmorden, which was earmarked for closure after trustees said the charity's financial situation was so bleak they might have to sell the building.

The centre has been at the heart of community life in the Pennine town for almost a decade since being set up by volunteers, providing a wealth of facilities including training programmes, youth projects, Internet access and services for homeless people.

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Its precarious financial position was revealed in the Yorkshire Post earlier this month as part of the Communities in Need appeal, which is calling on readers and local businesses to donate money to a fighting fund helping grassroots charity projects across the region.

A fortnight ago many staff were either sent home or were continuing to work without knowing whether they would receive a pay packet at the end of the month.

The vice-chairman of the board of trustees, Tim Ordway, said: "There's been unbelievable financial backing from the local community – we've been absolutely bowled over. It's made a huge difference. A key positive point is that the town council have signalled they will be able to get behind us financially, which is crucial.

"What it all means is we believe we can stay open for another few months, at which point new contracts will start coming into play and new funding will arrive. We're determined to get through this."

The trustees also held talks last week with a mystery philanthropist who offered his support after reading of their plight. Mr Ordway declined to comment as talks are believed to be continuing.