An eleventh hour appeal is being made to Gatehouse citizens to have their say on the community centre’s future.
The building, on Dromore Road, is in need of major repair or replacement and locals are being urged to help decide the best way forward.
More than 100 responses to an open community survey have been received so far but the centre’s board wants more before the May 31 deadline.
Hopes are high that a Spring Sparkle day on Saturday will give the exercise a boost while giving people a chance to discuss the facility’s future.
The 11am to 3pm event at the centre will feature a pop-up café, home baking stall, children’s activities, a plant stall and e-bike sessions.
Board chairman Peter Taylor told the News: “We’d like to thank everyone who has already completed the survey.
“But if people haven’t there’s still time to let us have their views.
“We hope everyone can come along to the Spring Sparkle on May 21.
“As well as activities for all ages, people can enjoy tea and cake and chat to the board about what they’d like to see happen for the centre in the future.” Peter added: “The centre board wants to develop a plan for the future that fully reflects what local people want from their community centre.
“This could lead to the redevelopment or replacement of the building if this is what the community wants.
“That’s why it is vital that local people, community groups and local businesses share their views.
“And all those views will be listened to and respected.”
The current building has been in use by the community in Gatehouse for 95 years and in recent times has hosted big events such as the hugely popular Midsummer Music festival.
However, the centre’s dilapidated condition means continuing with the status quo is no longer an option.
The 17-question survey, which only takes around 15 minutes to complete, explains why responses are so crucial.
It states: “Across Scotland, community centres such as ours have shown flexibility and innovation in delivering services and facilities that respond to the needs of local people.
“We would like to see this happen, but we need the support of the community to do this.
“That’s why we’re asking you to take part in this survey and to tell us your views so that future plans reflect both current and future needs.
“We can then approach funders, giving them confidence that we have the community behind us.”
Community Enterprise, which specialises in community engagement, along with locally-based Sleeping Giants, is assisting with the consultation.
The survey adds: “With their help we will develop your ideas into a plan for the future of the centre which is rooted in the needs of the community, financially viable and fundable and – very importantly –
makes a difference to local people and to the community – complementing rather than displacing any local activity.”
Alternatively, the survey can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Gatehouse_Comm_Centre_Survey
