A cash-strapped community centre has just weeks left to find £20,000 – or its doors will close forever.
The Bennachie Leisure Centre has been a popular spot for Insch residents for 20 years, but earlier this year put out a desperate appeal for new volunteers to help keep it running.
But now the board has made an urgent call for further assistance – this time for a cash “injection” to help clear the debt they have inherited.
The charity-run centre – which has suffered a dwindling membership recently, possibly due to the oil downturn – is in thousands of pounds worth of debt, which is due to be paid in September.
However, without immediate help from the community, the newly-elected board cannot apply for grant funding to pull the centre out of the financial black hole.
Members have now launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £20,000 to help tackle the debt – with £1,800 raised so far.
Last night, board member Callum Scott said the next few weeks would be critical for the future.
He said: “The bottom line is there has been rising costs at the same time as falling income.
“We have ended up carrying debt which we can’t afford to service.
“When the current board came on board in April we had a look at the situation and it was completely unsustainable.
“The reality is we need an injection of cash. We have had a falling membership which may be as a result of the oil and gas situation, with people tightening their belts.
“I don’t think this community can afford to lose out on this facility, there’s not a great deal in the area, people would have to go to Huntly or Inverurie.
“It will be a huge loss to everyone from the youngest to oldest.”
Mr Scott said the centre costs about £150,000 a year to run.
There have also been a number of fundraising events set up in the coming weeks. There is an open day on August 26, a fundraising party on September 2 and a charity “spinathon” on September 16.
Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed it is doing what it can to help the centre.
A spokesman said: “We have agreed to provide business and financial support while they consider their long-term future.”
To support the Bennachie Leisure Centre, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/keep-blc-open
