Manchester's Gay Centre Facing the Axe
September 1, 2007 12:00 AM
Manchester's Gay Centre is Facing the Axe
Voluntary groups that offer help and support to members of Manchester's lesbian and gay community are facing the axe because of a decision to close a popular gay centre by Town Hall bosses.
Dozens of groups who use the Council owned building on Sidney Street say they have been given notice to quit by the end of the year, and now the services they provide are under threat.
Lesbian & Gay Youth Manchester has provided help and advice to young people across Greater Manchester from the Centre since 1988 and was originally run from Bloom Street in the Gay Village from 1978 until 1988. The Centre has remained popular because of its city centre location, but campaigners fear that there has been a deliberate policy of neglect, with the aim of turning over the site to property developers.
City Centre Lib Dem Coun Marc Ramsbottom say that the groups who use the centre have been badly treated and has taken up their case with the Council:
"These volunteers do a great job, and they provide a vital service, especially to many vulnerable lesbian and gay young people across the Manchester area. They have been treated badly. There has been no consultation with them about the future of the centre or a promise to support the work they do in the future." he said.
Coun Ramsbottom says he has taken the issue up with the Council who have so far refused to comment on plans turn the site over to property developers.
A campaign group has been formed and plans are being made to lobby the Council to save the centre. Their first meeting will be at the centre on Sidney Street on Tuesday 4 September 2007 at 9pm.
END
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