CONCERNS over out-of-control running costs have been blamed for a breakdown in relations that led to the resignation of Alton Community Centre manager Richard Swainston. Mr Swainston proffered his resignation on July 24 when he said his position at the centre became untenable. On Tuesday of last week he led an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held in the car park outside the centre as reported in last week's Alton Herald. While the meeting, calling for Richard Swainston's reinstatement as manager, was deemed "unconstitutional" by Alton Community Association (ACA) trustees, it has served to highlight concerns over the future of the community centre - concerns the trustees have now undertaken to address. In a statement issued this week, the board of trustees has sought to clarify its current position. And to reassure the public that not only does it have the best interests of the centre at heart, but that Alton Community Centre remains a busy and vibrant concern with a positive and exciting future. The trustees write of their "disappointment and dismay" at the amount of adverse publicity that has appeared since the resignation of Mr Swainston. And they attribute their acceptance of his resignation to "major differences" regarding the resolution of operational issues facing the community centre. "The main operational issue is that although the revenue has increased, the cost of running the centre has far outweighed the increase and the community centre now faces a substantial loss for the year," said the statement, which goes on to make clear that "the manager must assume a proportional share of the responsibility for this loss as well as the trustees". After further discussions last week the board of trustees "unanimously agreed not to reinstate Richard Swainston". They are said to have been supported in this decision by representatives on the ACA board from East Hampshire District Council and Alton Town Council. "Meetings are now being arranged with both these authorities and with Hampshire County Council to enable the centre to return to an economically viable position," said the statement. It continues: "All of the trustees, who have personal financial liability for the ACA, are committed to a bright future for Alton Community Centre which is seen as a vital facility for the people of Alton." In a bid to get the centre back onto a more secure financial footing, during the next few months, the trustees will be taking a more active day-to-day involvement in the business of the centre, supporting the senior staff and introducing tighter financial controls. And they are positive that a balance can be restored. Already more than 500 people have enrolled into leisure learning courses for the coming term and many functions are booked. There is a record number of people renewing and taking out membership for the new membership year which begins today (Friday). A new franchisee is due to take over the bar facility at the end of September although the link with current franchisee, Legless Promotions, will remain. According to trustees, this is expected to "enhance the valuable musical connections already established, bringing in even more young people and also those with different musical tastes". For all the other facilities - the playgroup, the day centre, meals on wheels and the cafe - it will be "business as usual" and also for the regular user groups "who have supported the community centre so loyally over the years". Referring to plans for a new building, the trustees have confirmed that the fabric of the current building remains of great concern - as expected, it has become more costly to maintain. "Four years ago it was recognised by East Hampshire District Council, as the owners of the present building, that a replacement building was needed. The project is ongoing, although slower than anticipated due to technical problems (involving the Environment Agency) surrounding the River Wey flood plain." In the meantime, staff at Alton Community Centre are now working on plans for Christmas activities and the ACA Trustees remain dedicated to providing the "best service possible" for all members and visitors to the Centre. The message is clear: "All concerned anticipate going from strength to strength in the next year and putting the current problems firmly into the past."
