It could be a case of 'use it or lose it' for Tenby's Augustus Place Community Centre, it was revealed this week
With running costs considerably outweighing income, the town council may be forced to close the doors for good unless more people start hiring the building, explained clerk to Tenby Town Council, Andrew Davies.
The Rotary Club of Tenby originally built the community centre in 1961 with assistance from Tenby Inner Wheel and Tenby Round Table in supplying the furniture.
Gifted to the town primarily for use by local senior citizens, the hall went over to the former South Pembrokeshire District Council in 1974 and was bought back by the town council in the early 1980s.
Some two years ago, the town council embarked on a refurbishment programme to replace the rotten windows and door with uPVC, replace broken guttering, repaint the outside, install a new heating system, level the uneven floor and install a new non-slip easy maintenance floor covering and adapt one of the toilets to accommodate the disabled.
"The refurbishment cost in the region of £25,000, with the majority of funding coming from the town council and an Objective One grant of £7,800 through Pembrokeshire County Council's Community Buildings Fund," said Mr. Davies.
However, despite the improvement in the facilities available, the usage of the hall has dropped off markedly, resulting in the town council's annual expenditure on the hall being nearly four times its hire income.
"Unfortunately, the centre is only being used regularly a couple of times a week at present, and the town council have to think if keeping it open is a viable use of public money," Mr. Davies continued.
"The town council feels that the centre is a valuable asset for the community, but it appears that the local community has forgotten it's there and available for them to hire. We don't want to have to close it, but unless more people consider using it, it may be our only option."
Mr. Davies explained that the hall was available most days of the week and was ideally suited for meetings of up to 90 people, rehearsals, children's parties and similar activities. It has its own kitchen facilities and the foldaway tables and chairs mean it can be set up in virtually endless configurations.
Hire times are mornings, afternoons and early evenings (until 9 pm) and cost £20 per four hours.
Anyone interested in hiring the hall can contact the town council on (01834) 842730, Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm.