The future of community activities at theKenilworthCentre have been handed a major boost after the town council yesterday signed off a £75,000 grant to the facility.

Struggling amidst rising bills and a number of unexpected extra costs, the centre has admitted struggling over recent months, putting the vital services it runs and gives a home to under threat.

According to the recent manager's report, the centre's fixed costs are now outstripping its income by around £3,000 each month, with staff and trustees on the lookout for new sources of income.

But now the Abbey End community centre has been handed a major funding boost by Kenilworth Town Council which has committed £75,000 over the next three years.

Cllr James Kennedy, leader of the council said: “The council is committed to enhancing opportunities for young people in the town and theKenilworthCentre, through its youth club and mentoring programme at Kenilworth School provides a life-changing experience.

"With the lack of core funding from central government and with an increasing number of new residents moving into the town looking for community activities, I am pleased that the town council can provide support for one of the key facilities in our community.

"The council will be monitoring closely both how the Centre continues to develop new services and the centre’s progress in its fundraising.”

In addition to supporting theKenilworthCentre, the council has an "ambitious programme of improvements" for some new projects, including the next phase of wayfinding, verge wildflower planting, and a business and visitor economy forum.

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Some of this funding will come from reserves, but it will also be necessary to increase the precept (the money the council receives from council tax) by £1.95 a year for a band D council tax payer.

Cllr Richard Dickson, chair of the council’s finance and general services committee, said: "For less than the price of one extra cup of coffee each year for a typical household in Kenilworth, the council will be able to support theKenilworthCentre and continue to deliver and improve high quality services across the town. 

"Our precept remains less than half of the national average amount and is one of the lowest in Warwickshire.”

And following the announcing of the funding, the centre's chair of trustees, Mandy Brougham, said: “We are delighted to receive this core funding from the town council. 

"Since 2015 we have operated without any core funds, relying on lettings income and charity donations to operate a significant building in the centre of town and support for local young people.

"As a result of COVID and inflation the charity’s reserves have been eroded. 

"This funding will enable the centre to maintain its services, particularly to young people, and will give us a sustainable platform from which we can further fund-raise and develop new services for the community and explore sources of income.”