Charity working in deprived area could close its doors unless new funders are found
Funding cuts could mean the end of an innovative charity operating in one of Glasgow’s most deprived estates.
LoveMilton is set to close next month after several cash streams ran dry.
It now urgently needs support or it will be forced to shut up shop – delivering a huge blow to the area.
Ambitious plans for a new, charity-built community centre may not now be realised.
The group, based in Milton in the north of Glasgow, organises and runs fun and interactive training opportunities through construction based courses lasting from four days to 12-weeks, helping participants gain new skills and qualifications.
Without funding LoveMilton's plans to build a community centre by will never be realised
It is multi-award winning and provides free training courses to people who want to develop skills and help improve employment prospects.
The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) has provided funds for LoveMilton in the past to help its project to complete a self-build community centre using reclaimed materials.
However, due to land disputes, work on the project has not started. The derelict land is currently owned by City Property Glasgow, which wants £300,000 before it is transferred to LoveMilton.
Funding from CCF was granted over 18 months but funds have been stretched to over two years.
LoveMilton has been working in the area since 2008 trying to alleviate and combat some of the causes and symptoms of deprivation.
A spokesperson said: “Without funding LoveMilton will not be able to continue offering training courses and plans to build a community centre by local residents will never be realised.
“Unlike other areas in Glasgow, Milton does not have a community centre where people can go to learn new skills or socialise.
“Plans to utilise skills participants from training courses have gained to build the community centre to provide an area for local residents will not be taken forward and new training projects will no longer go ahead in Milton if LoveMilton do close due to funding cuts.”
Love Milton has now launched a petitioncalling for Glasgow City Council to support the transfer of the land to the community.
