Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has joined calls from local residents to save a local social centre from permanent closure.
The Corpus Christi Social Centre in Ashmore Park is owned by the neighbouring Corpus Christi church, but has been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and is now facing financial difficulties which could see it shut its doors permanently.
The news has prompted concern and sadness amongst local residents who have used the social centre previously. The building has a bar, large hall and kitchen which has been used by residents for events such as bingo, wedding receptions and parties.
Jane visited the social centre and met with Father Stephen Goodman, who is the parish priest at Corpus Christi church. She has backed calls by residents for a solution to be found that will keep the social centre running once the pandemic is over.
She has written to the Archdiocese of Birmingham, which owns the building, and has pledged her support in finding a way forward. Jane has also asked ministers at the Department for Digitial, Culture, Media and Sport to look at what grant funding opportunities are available to organisations such as this one.
Jane said: “Like many Ashmore Park residents, I was sad to hear about the financial difficulties that the Corpus Christi Social Centre is facing as a result of the pandemic. This is a much-loved community facility that the area desperately needs, and I want to see it survive.
“I have visited the social centre to see for myself just what it has to offer, and there is nothing else like this nearby. I have contacted the Archdiocese of Birmingham, which owns the building, to pledge my support in finding a way to keep the social centre running. I have also asked my colleagues in Government to see what grant funding is available that could help whilst the centre has to remain closed.”
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