THE manager of community centre in Winterbourne is urging locals to use it or lose it.

Winterbourne District and Community Centre (WADCA) has been hugely impacted by the pandemic after a number of clubs failed to return when it reopened.

The centre that has a main hall with stage, skittle alley, sports hall and licenced bar has been losing funds at an ‘alarming rate’ since last September.

Ticket sales for performances by Winterbourne Musical Theatre who use the hall, are also lower than before lockdown.

Centre manager Kelly is now asking locals to begin using the centre again, in a bid to save it before all funds have gone.

She said: “With the rising costs of electricity and water, coupled with the groups that have either not returned or not returned to full capacity- the centre is really taking a hit.

“We would love locals to come and see what we have here- unfortunately we think there may be an opinion locally that the centre is aimed at an older generations- but we have so much here for all ages.”

During half term the centre hosted a circus and similar things are planned for the holidays.

Rooms in the centre are also available to be hired out for parties and weddings.

“Ideally we would like to see our rooms busy, they are available to be booked every day, outside of when regular hirers have them,” said Kelly.

“Hopefully we can start booking in more parties, our halls are available for children’s parties as well as dance, exercise and all other types of classes.

“Ultimately if we continue losing funds at the alarming rate we are, we will close- we need locals to use it or lose it- to close would be an utter shame.”

The centre is offering anyone who books a weekend party for the rest of 2022 before the end of May a reduced rate.

“Hopefully an incentive will help,” added Kelly. “Covid closed everything down but we want to continue to support the community- we can only do that with the help of the community.”

For more information go to www.wadca.co.uk