EMPLOYEES at two key community centres in Yoker could lose their jobs after they failed to secure funding from the council’s community fund.

The decision, which means that the Yoker Resource Centre (YRC) and Peterson Park Hall will miss out on vital funding, was made at the City Administration Committee.

Local councillor Michael Cullen is supporting local residents who want to save these centres and is looking to the community for inspiration.

He said: “They are two centres within an area with high deprivation. The YRC hosted the G13/G14 community coronavirus hub base during lockdown.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to see other community groups receive financial support and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do with it, but these centres have been here for a long time.

“YRC and Peterson Park Hall do a lot for the local community.  During lockdown YRC helped the elderly who were isolating and vulnerable families access food.

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“They were key during the Covid crisis for identifying people in need. I don’t think the council is thinking about the human cost here.”

Clydebank resident Andrea McGowan said Peterson Park Hall was a hugely important venue.

She said: “It’s such an important hall for local people. It has mother and toddler groups that help young mums connect with new people. It also has line dancing for the elderly community members who face loneliness and lots of help for young people with mental health issues.

“The hall has real potential to be amazing and it could have a bright future if we could get funding.”

Cllr Cullen is now encouraging the community to take action and says he will support their decision 100 per cent.

He continued: “These places mean something to us. I am going to support my community and work with them. What will happen when their employees lose their jobs at the end of September?

“I want to know what the community wants to do about this and fight to save them. This is too big an issue not to oppose.”