'No plans to cut offer at Spalding's South Holland Centre'

There are no plans to cut what’s offered at the South Holland Centre, according to a leading councillor.

Last week we revealed that South Holland District Council is conducting a consultation with staff at the centre with a view to reducing the number of roles at the venue.

Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, sought to reassure the public that this won’t result in cuts to what’s offered at the Spalding facility.

He told the Free Press: “When it comes to what the public will see it should be the same or a better, improved offering.

“Hopefully it can be run a bit more efficiently and more business like. It’s not being slashed and burned.

“We want to extend the offering to make more use of the asset and try to take a more commercial approach to the restaurant and catering.

“We are looking to improve and enhance it and, where we can, work better and more efficiently. It’s not about a cut of service. We cannot continue to be heavily subsidised or loss making.We need to make the best of what we have got.

He added: “I am looking forward to going there again and to promoting what’s there.”

The centre has been shut since last March due to the pandemic - but during that time it was awarded more than £250,000 from the Arts Council to secure its future.

Coun Taylor added: “If we were not serious about it we wouldn’t have put the time and effort into going for it.”

Repairs and redecorating work have been carried out at the venue, which will reopen for a summer film programme at the end of the month.

Coun Taylor said: “It’s cleaner, brighter and a bit more modern looking. It’s an improvement and hopefully that’s noticed when people do return to it.”