News reached us last night about a meeting that had been held in Ryde to discuss the future of the Carnival Learning Centre (CLC).
Like many other parts of the council, the future of all those who work at the CLC is under threat.
The council confirm that all staff working at the CLC have been issued with 90 day at risk of redundancy notices.
It was reported at the meeting that the council plan to use the premises as a Communications and Corporate Training Centre once the CLC has been closed.
Those attending the meeting last night, agreed to form a lobby group and discussions around setting up a trust that could perhaps take over the running of the CLC were well received.
Council’s response
We put a number of questions to the council this morning regarding the future of the centre, its staff and the setting up of a trust to continue running it.
The council tell us that they are looking at a variety of options for expanding the CLC into becoming a central facility, where all aspects of lifelong learning and development can be held, which can be used by a variety of community groups and organisations.
It won’t be a Council Communications Centre?
The council go on to tell us that they may look to use the centre as a central training facility.
This is one of the options under consideration, but they made it clear that there are no plans for it to become a council communications centre.
Will a trust be considered?
We asked whether the council was actively considering the option of a local trust taking over the running of the CLC?
They told us that any groups are welcome to approach the council with suggestions and ideas for the future of its facilities and services and these will be considered.
Background on the Carnival Learning Centre
If you’ve not heard of the CLC before, it’s the hub of all carnival activities and arts outreach programmes on the Island.
We’re told that the centre, the first of its kind in the UK, was developed through funding by The Arts Council of England.
Concerns for future carnival, lanterns parades
Those against the possible closure of the CLC expressed concern at last night’s meeting for the future of Island carnivals and lantern parades that take place on the Island every year.
They went on to say that the closure could have a huge impact on the Opening Ceremony of the Natwest Island Games in 2011.
A Facebook Group has been set up to keep those concerned up to date with information regarding the future of the CLC.
Thanks to Claire Kay for getting in touch and letting us know about the meeting.
