The end of an era has arrived after it was revealed that St Patrick’s Social Centre on Common Road is to close its doors for good.
The news was announced by local councillor Terry Maguire on his Facebook page. Describing it as “devastating news”, he wrote: “Our very beloved St Patricks Social Centre will close its doors and not renew its gambling and alcohol licence from Midnight Saturday (7 December).
“This club has much affection from many of our community with many memorable and special celebrations celebrated, including many from my own family.
“This has been a very quick decision and has taken the staff by surprise, who will lose their jobs just before Christmas, they are deeply upset by this decision. They tell me that many elderly residents relied on their twice weekly bingo sessions that offer them a social and wellbeing benefit.”
Cllr Maguire also said that he had attempted to contact the area manager a few weeks ago to seek some reassurance on the future of the club, but said “there appeared no great interest, their decision was already made”.
He criticised the diocese for allowing both St Patrick’s Church and Social Centre to get into “a dreadful state of disrepair”, and said his concerns now were with the staff at the centre, who now find themselves out of work just before Christmas.
In response, hundreds of people shared their own memories of wedding receptions, family parties and community events at St Patrick’s over the years.
What do you think?
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