Battling elderly residents victorious in fight to save Northallerton community centre

The housing association complex at Priory Close, Northallerton, was set to lose its community room as part of changes by Broadacres which was looking at building two bungalows on the site.

But residents rallied round and demanded it be kept open.

Residents celebrating the news that their Community Room at Priory Close, Northallerton has been saved from closure. Picture: Richard Doughty Photography

They started raising money, needing up to £9,000 a year, support came through a group who use the building twice a week and organisers have just been awarded a grant of £9,940 through the big lottery fund awards for all.

Resident Anne Newman said the room is the heart of the bungalows and stops many elderly residents from becoming isolated and lonely.

“We have people aged from 60 up to 91 using it on a regular basis, it is so important to everyone, we play bowls, dominoes and bingo, have coffee mornings and fairs. It’s used all the time. Other community rooms at Bedale, Easingwold, Thirsk and Great Ayton have gone, we think we are the only one left in this district.

“We had a lot of help from Age UK and local councillor Jack Dobson assisting and advising on where and how to get grants. It has made such a difference to the people here, we really couldn’t do without it, the Avalon group for vulnerable people use it on Tuesdays and Thursdays so it’s constantly busy.

“We took on responsibility two and a half years ago and thanks to the lottery grant we have paid last years and next year’s rent and we have money in the bank, so the immediate future is assured.

“A lot of people here live on their own and without the community room they might not get out and see other people, they could be sat in round the clock, it’s a real social centre, and we are determined to keep it going.”