A DAY centre in Mere could close if a treasurer and trustee are not found before the end of the year.
The Mere and District Day Centre on Lynch Close has a deadline of December 31 to fill the roles.
The centre, which has been running for more than 30 years, is well used with 14 guests and two sessions held a week.
Councillor George Jeans (Independent/Mere) said: “It was hoped a new improved facility at the proposed rebuilt Fives Court would be used in years to come.
“The centre hopes someone in this area will come forward, they do not have to live in Mere, those well outside Mere would be welcome.”
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It was suggested that Wiltshire Council has withdrawn funding from day centres across the county in recent years.
But Wiltshire Council said that funding has not been withdrawn from the day centre in Mere.
Councillor Gordon King, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Wiltshire Council has not withdrawn funding from Mere and District Day Centre and we have not received any requests from them for an uplift in funding.
“If the centre is currently seeking to appoint a treasurer and trustee, we’re happy to offer guidance and signpost to resources that may assist with this process.
“We can help connect the centre with local networks and organisations that support community governance and recruitment, including platforms where these roles can be advertised and advice on best practice for trustee appointments.
“We would encourage the centre to get in touch so we can explore how best to support them.”
I would like to correct some misunderstandings regarding the current situation of the Mere and District Day Centre. Firstly, we are based in Lynch Close, not Springfield Road in Mere. We serve the community of older people in danger of isolation and loneliness within a ten mile radius of Mere.
Secondly, I must correct the information supplied by Councillor Gordon King. Wiltshire Council withdrew DIRECT GRANTS to day centres in 2023 in favour of a new system called the Open Framework. Under this new scheme Mere Day Centre could not apply for grant funding, so could not have applied (as Cllr King infers) for ‘an uplift in funding’. However, as an independent charity we have been very fortunate in in raising funds elsewhere, so financial problems are not a current issue for us.
Thirdly, over the last two years, as experienced trustees, we have used every means available to us to highlight our recruitment needs, including the Wiltshire Council platform (and others) to which Cllr King refers, to no avail – thus far – but we continue in the hope that suitable candidates will come forward and ultimate closure will be avoided.
Jane Mason, Chair of Trustees