Leyland charity shuts after quarter of a century

The trustees of the Leyland Project have been forced to take the sad step due to funding difficulties.

But out of the flames of the old organisation will rise a new one. An information meeting about setting up a Wade Hall Residents’ Association is due to take place at The Place Community Centre, Royal Avenue, Leyland, on Thursday, July 12, at 6.30pm, with a view to a first formal meeting a week later.

In a public announcement, Joan Musker and Julie Gardner, of the Leyland Project, said: “We would like to make you aware that sadly due to the unsuccessful grant applications and continuing difficulty in accessing new funding sources the Trustees have decided to close the charity and return The Place Community Centre to Progress Housing Group on July 31.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart we have to let you know that Progress Housing Group will not be employing us to continue doing the great work we have been doing over the past 20 years with families, children, youths and older members of the community.”

The project was formed in 1992 as a partnership between Progress Housing Group, Leyland Baptist Church and national charity Spurgeons Childcare.

It has run a host of activities including youth clubs, family support and community food co-op.

Last year it received a visit from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was campaigning in the area.