AS THE fate of Hubberston Community Centre hangs in the balance, locals are being urged to attend a public meeting to help find a way to keep it open.

The county council wants to work with local people, to see if there is a way of handing ownership or control of the building over to the community.

In March, the centre’s future was thrown into question again, when the council said a previous pledge to transfer management of the centre to the Flying Start programme – thereby safeguarding it for the community it until 2017 - was no longer possible.

This was despite assurances by Cabinet in November 2014 that the switch would happen ‘no later than Easter 2015’.

Local councillor Viv Stoddart, who has criticised the council for ‘breaking its promise to the community’ said funding for the centre was only secured until April 2016, which did not leave much time to come up with a plan.

But - given its importance to the community by providing a place for people of all ages to meet, play and learn - she said it was vital people came out in force to the meeting, to help find a solution and safeguard the centre for its many users.

Cllr Stoddart said the centre was still thriving and well-used, and urged people to keep supporting it in any way possible.

A spokesman for the county council said: “Hubberston Community Centre remains open for business but has experienced a decline in its usage and was identified for closure last year.

“Pembrokeshire County Council did intend to use an alternative funding stream to maintain the centre up to 2017 but this has not been possible.

“Community ownership of the building is something the council would like the meeting to explore.

“Both James White, Head of Performance and Community, and Steve Davis, Pembrokeshire Youth Service Manager, will be attending.”

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm at the centre.