A vibrant community centre in the heart of Bristol could be forced to close after astronomical rises in its bills. St Werburghs Community Centre now needs to raise £20,000 to stay afloat.
It has struggled with increasing costs over the past year and says that its gas bill alone has risen by 300 per cent. Like many community spaces, it has taken a hit from the loss of bookings during the pandemic but the need for its services has increased.
The centre is used by more than 200 community organisations, which host events throughout the year. If it had to close, its permanent tenants, which include charities supporting foster carers and refugees, would find themselves homeless. “We have users who come in everyday”, said Zoe Robinson, who works at the centre.
