A VOLUNTEER has mounted a passionate defence of a struggling arts centre branded “moribund”.

Jacqueline Moss, who helps to organise bingo and dances at Ferndown’s Barrington Centre, has spoken out after recent criticism of town council plans to pump £45,000 over three years into its coffers.

Councillors will vote next Monday on the finance committee’s recommendation to green-light the grant.

Former mayor Cllr Lesley Dedman criticised the recommendation in Tuesday’s Daily Echo, describing the centre as “moribund”.

But Mrs Moss said the Barrington had enjoyed a number of recent successes and argued that its importance to people in Ferndown could not be overstated “The Barrington Centre is the heart of Ferndown. It is Ferndown.

“I’m amazed at how many people pop in just for a cup of tea and some company,” she said.

“We have queues of more than 100 people for the monthly bingo.

“They have asked for it to be held twice a month, but we need more volunteers.”

A New Year’s Eve dance sold out, while the recent Holly Berry Fair, and the Christmas carol concert attended by Ferndown’s mayor, Cllr Queenie Comfort, and Dorset County Council leader, Cllr John Wilson, each raised £1,000.

Finance committee members have also recommended a significant reduction in the town council’s grant to the Ferndown leisure centre.

Mrs Moss said the Barrington was a more deserving case for public funds. “The leisure centre is fine because it is run by a private company, which is making money.

“A private company that is making money should not need money from me,” she said.

Barrington bosses hope to end the financial year with a significant reduction on the £26,000 loss posted in 2008/09.

Centre manager Brian Sutton said: “I’m very optimistic that we have turned a corner, and that far from being moribund we are a lively and attractive centre with an awful lot going on throughout the year.”

A public meeting of Ferndown Town Council will be held at the King George V Pavilion on Monday January 18 at 7.30pm.

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