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Liquidators take control of community centre
LIQUIDATORS have taken control of Bridlington's debt-ridden Community Resource Centre.
The move follows a winding up order by the High Court after HM Revenue and Customs submitted a petition to recover debts relating to unpaid tax.
It means a freeze on the bank account of its managing body, Bridlington Community Partnership Ltd, and casts serious doubt over the future of its half a dozen or so employees and more than 25 community and voluntary groups who rent space in the building in Victoria Road.
It is understood some staff have already made other arrangements.
Matthew Bowker of Tenon Recovery, Hull, was appointed liquidator by the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
At the present time it is working with the trustees to establish the exact extent of the centre's debt.
In a statement, Simon Smith, Tenon's manager for corporate recovery said: "The partnership's financial difficulties have been attributed to the cost of acquiring, renovating and opening a second building next to the original resource centre.
"The partnership's trustees had hoped to clear the debts by selling its property prior to the High Court hearing on June 18.
"The liquidator is now exploring the possibility of a sale of the building and is hopeful that the liquidation will not adversely impact on the activities of the voluntary and other community organisations that rely on the centre to help them provide support to the people of Bridlington and the surrounding area."
None of the trustees are able to comment on the situation while the centre is being managed by the liquidators, but issued the following statement through Tenon Recovery: "The shadow board and new manager of Bridlington Community Partnership have worked tirelessly over the past 10 months to come up with an honourable solution to a series of problems which had been created over a number of years.
"Our priorities have been that the centre users have been able to continue as normal, that those parties owed money are recompensed and that a community facility that is so valued by so many remains at the heart of Bridlington's community.
"We are happy to continue this work with the liquidators to achieve those aims."
It is understood the liquidators have been visiting the centre since last Thursday and continue to make inquiries into how much it owes.
Only two weeks ago the partnership was hoping to complete the sale of the building to a buyer who had said they were happy for it to continue to house community and other organisations "within a matter of days".
But at that time they admitted the timing was "tight" if HM Revenue and Customs proceeded with its action.
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It is believed that sale is still a possibility.
It would mean the partnership being able to pay off the 60,000, plus interest of around 5,000, balance of a controversial 70,000 loan it borrowed from Bridlington Town Council, which currently has its office in the community centre.
The loan was to help the partnership acquire the property next door for expansion.
The original centre opened in 2000 with the aim of providing a home for many community organisations.
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Weather for Bridlington
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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