THE closure of a community centre which supported vulnerable residents has been deemed a “disgrace”.

Green group councillors in Brighton have raised concerns about the future of other community organisation following the forced closure of The Bridge in Moulsecoomb due to financial difficulties.

The company which ran the centre was facing insolvency, leading to the centre closing down on Monday.

Green group leader, Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, said: “For such an important community hub to fold under Labour is a disgrace.

“But sadly it’s not the first - had there not been the spotlight of East Brighton by-election we would have lost the Whitehawk Inn too.

“Labour is notionally committed to the ‘pivotal role of the community sector’ in the Fairness Commission, but how many community organisations must we see go to the wall under the Labour Council’s watch?

“Sources of funding are disappearing at an alarming rate under the Conservative Government’s relentless austerity programme and my fear is that without additional support, more community groups in our city will fail.”

The centre was used to provide a variety of helpful services and classes for users, including employment advice, training courses to help people find work, one to one literacy tutoring, as well as music lessons and health and fitness sessions.

Residents have been using the centre for almost 20 years, which was originally opened to support those living nearby who were struggling financially.

Cllr Mac Cafferty added: “The Bridge was able to help people we as a council or the other authorities couldn’t - and it’s a huge blow to residents, particularly in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, who will now lose a space known for its welcoming and inclusive work.

“The Bridge offered over 120 courses, back-to-work support, literacy for adults and a hugely successful volunteering programme.

“It equipped some of our most vulnerable residents with the skills and motivation to turn their lives around.

“We urgently need answers on how Labour is going to support our key community organisations into the future.”

Residents who used the centre were shocked to hear it was closing down, with some relying on it to help them with mental health issues.

The centre’s trustees had to close the centre due to a lack of support grants and will continue to offer other facilities to residents with the help of charities.

Cllr Daniel Yates, Leader of the Labour and Cooperative Group, said: “Now isn’t the time to be creating a blame game.

"The Bridge is a crucial part of my community, and the services it offers to residents in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean communities, as well as across the city, make a real difference to their lives every day.

"I have already been talking to other similar services across the city, as well as residents, who are committed to finding ways of continuing to deliver the services in new ways and through different approaches.

"The city council has also been working for some years to find a new permanent home within Moulsecoomb for The Bridge and proposals for a community hub for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean are hopefully coming forward later in the year.”