The Redcastle Furze Community Centre, in St Martin's Way, is leased by Peddars Way Housing Association from Breckland Council, which owns the building, but the centre has been running at a loss and the housing association says it cannot afford to continue leasing it.

Paul Trayton, chairman of Redcastle Furze Action Group, said: "The problem is the community centre needs somebody who has the time and money to make a really good go of it.

"We have set up a website for residents, as they are not using the community centre, and we are trying really hard to engage with them.

"We hold meetings at the centre on the last Monday of each month, but they are poorly attended and it would be great to see more people getting involved. "

David Seaton, managing director of Peddars Way Housing Association, said: "Regrettably, we have had to make this decision.

"It has been hard to sustain the centre, especially in this present economic climate.

"Although very conscious of its potential role within the community, the reality is that people have chosen alternative venues to hold functions and seminars.

"We would like to thank all those who have used and supported the centre over the last 10 years."

A Breckland Council spokesman said: "We are making investigations and are trying to find an alternative tenant who will keep the centre running for community uses, as the building isn't suited to any other use.

"We would welcome ideas for community uses from anyone, but the most important thing is finding a tenant who can take on the lease."

The next Redcastle Furze Action Group meeting will be held at the community centre on Monday at 6pm and residents are being urged to go along and make their views and ideas known.

For more information, visit www.redcastlefurze.co.uk


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