LONDON CENTRE IN TROUBLE
The London Lesbian and Gay Centre which cost STG£1,000,000 to open three years ago, is on the point of collapse unless there is an immediate and major injection of cash.
This is the feeling of some angry and frustrated members from the Centre who have called for an Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday 21st March when an aggressive plan will be proposed for saving the Centre.
Among the decisions being proposed are:
• a reduction in existing numbers of staff:
• the resignation of management committee members who served prior to 1988;
• proper financial controls and the appointment of a qualified accountant and skilled business managers on eh management committee;
• a new grant from the London Boroughs Grants (Richmond) Scheme; and a proper Business Plan.
The London Centre has been plagued with problems since it opened, despite the Stg £140,000 funding it has received each year from the now defunct Greater London Council.
An independent management report carried out some time ago was severely critical of staff management, stock control and hygiene. The report, issued last October, criticised "basic design faults” such as lighting, venting and drainage. There was also criticism of financial management and stock monitoring in the operation of the Centre's bar and cafe - last year the bar alone incurred losses of up to Stg. £4,000 per month.
Concerned members of the Centre have said that unless the Centre receives grant aid as usual this year there is no chance it can be saved. All eyes will be on the March 21st meeting.