VOLUNTEERS are stepping up the fight to save Tullibody Civic Centre, stressing that it will be the only place for people to gather for events and sport.

Tullibody Community Development Trust (TCDT), which is working to take on the building and safeguard the park, said Clackmannanshire Council reported there would not be facilities in the new Tullibody South Campus.

Members are now highlighting the need for locals to get behind the drive, saying the civic centre will be the “only accessible community facility for community events, sport, recreation, clubs and groups”.

The local authority has confirmed the library, which includes access to computers, Wi-Fi and enquiry services, will transfer to the campus when it opens in 2019.

It will also provide “modern community meeting spaces for individuals and groups” and in the meantime services will continue in the centre.

However, there was no specific reference to the sport facilities which were included in plans as recently as September last year.

Janette McGowan, chair of the TCDT, said: “As a community, now that it’s definitely been confirmed that there will be no facilities for the community in the new school campus, we really need to come together and save our only facility, the civic centre.

“If locals can join us in setting up a volunteer management committee and key holders, we have the potential to not only keep our centre open, but increase the availability for sport and leisure in our community.

“The heritage centre, toddlers, pensioners, exercise classes and all the groups will be safe from having to disband due to lack of facilities or high costs outwith Tullibody

“Please make sure you spread the word amongst your family and friends and let’s save our centre for us all to enjoy for many years to come.”

A council spokesperson said: “As agreed in the council’s March budget, the council will no longer operate leisure facilities from the civic centre after 30 September 2018.

“We are also aware that the community have expressed an interest in the civic centre for Community Asset Transfer.

“We recognise that Community Asset Transfer can be hugely rewarding but that it is not without challenge, and that communities need time to develop capacity.

“We also recognise that every facility and each community is unique; and we are open to exploring a range of options, understanding that a one size fits all approach is unlikely to succeed.”

Since it was established around nine months ago, the trust has been working non-stop but has previously expressed concerns about the September deadline.

It has recruited more than 500 members and recently visited the Ochiltree Trust, which is going to build a community-owned centre in Cumnock.

It still aims to develop plans for full community ownership in the foreseeable future, but in the short-term hopes the council will offer support to keep the centre open.

The local authority said it will no longer operate leisure facilities from the centre come October, but wants to give communities the chance to “make a success of the community asset transfer opportunities that exist”.

The spokesperson continued: “We would therefore encourage groups to continue to engage with council officers and partners to discuss options and to develop business cases.

“We are very much open to discussion on transitional arrangements.

“This may include interim arrangements such as ‘try before you buy’ management agreements or leases, communities taking on lets, or indeed a review of timelines if this would ultimately enable a successful community asset transfer.

“To assist the process of ongoing dialogue, a series of engagement meetings is to be organised across Clackmannanshire over the coming weeks where further information will also be provided on assistance and support available.”

To become a member of Tullibody Community Development Trust, or for more information on its work, email secretary@tullibody.org or visit tullibodycdt.org.uk