A community project which has helped generations of Blacon residents over the past three decades is to close.
Mounting financial pressures and operational failings have been cited as some of the reasons behind placing Blacon Community Trust (BCT) into liquidation.
The social enterprise was set up in 1984 to find solutions to local problems by involving the community, and won the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award in 2011.
David Cameron said at the time: “Blacon Community Trust has worked incredibly hard to transform the area, engaging local residents and organisations, and building a real sense of community spirit.”
Hailing it the ‘end of an era’, BCT chairman and Blacon councillor Reggie Jones said the decision to fold the voluntary organisation was made ‘with sadness’.
He said: “BCT has suffered from increased financial pressures due to a number of factors including high levels of family debt.
“The trust has continually reviewed its business areas and has restructured its staffing levels and worked with staff to reduce costs and increase income, however the operational failings identified in the recent Ofsted Report combined with the decision to suspend the Kids Community Club has resulted in a significantly negative impact on the future sustainability of the Trust.”
Kids Community Club – which has been run by the trust since 2005 – was forced to close in December after an Ofsted inspection criticised its senior management team.
But Mr Jones added that the trust’s achievements over the past 31 years can be regarded with pride.
Related: Kids Community Club forced to close after damning Ofsted report
“It is the end of an era, but I think many people can look back with pride on what has been achieved in terms of working in collaboration with neighbourhood management and delivering Sustainable Blacon, nursery provision and youth services,” he said.
“At the centre of that are the staff and volunteers who have made BCT work.
“The trust has helped generations of Blacon residents.
“The things that we have achieved over the years have been tremendous.”
Mr Jones added that the trust will continue to work with parents and partner agencies to ‘secure the future of childcare services and ensure that members of staff are supported through this difficult time’.
