We support the excellent work being done by all those involved with the Bridges Centre charity. We hope they will continue to support our community for many decades ahead. With that in mind, we have been working with the trustees for several months on a new long term lease that will enable their work to continue.

Trustees requested an independent valuation of Drybridge House, which the council agreed to, that led to a clear market rent being agreed. Trustees requested a long lease and the council agreed to offer a 30-year lease. The council are offering a grant to cover 85% of the rental figure agreed (90% in the first year).

The rental support grant the council awards to charitable tenants has to be reviewed every three years but as long as Drybridge House is being used to support the local community, that grant will continue. The live online petition does not acknowledge the commitment the council has made to trustees. A commitment to which the council will hold fast.

By delaying the signing of the new lease, the trustees, in the council’s view, are introducing unnecessary uncertainty into the ongoing success of Bridges. We urge them to accept the beneficial terms being offered.