MORE than 1,700 people have signed a petition objecting to the possible closure of Dudley’s Sycamore Adventure centre.
Resident Donna Flurry-Haddock started the petition after hearing Dudley Council was carrying out a review to determine the Upper Gornal site’s future.
She said: “Sycamore Adventure Centre, in its 15th year now, embodies much more than a play area. It is a haven for children and families — a place where bonds are built, where laughter resounds, and where memories are carved. The centre plays a crucial role in Dudley's community fabric.
“Every year, Sycamore Adventure Centre benefits hundreds of families in Dudley, offering endless hours of joy and adventure. If it ceases to exist, the impact on the mental wellbeing of local children could be significant, considering how interacting in social spaces like adventure centres is integral to their social development.”
Castle and Priory councillors Keiran Casey and Karl Denning are now urging as many people as possible to sign and share the petition, which can be found on the Change.org website, as well as shouting about why the centre is so important to the community.
Cllr Casey said: “I’m really grateful to Donna for starting this petition and to see how passionate local people are about ensuring this centre is preserved and enhanced.
“Myself and Cllr Denning have seen first-hand the brilliant work being done by so many at the centre, and the real impact this has in our communities, so we want to make sure this review launched by the council is not just another way of the Tories in charge of Dudley closing this via the backdoor.”
Cllr Denning added: “We understand the strength of feeling about this in the local community, so we're determined to work with Donna and everyone that uses the centre, as well as our colleagues in Upper Gornal to ensure the council listens to the views of residents.
“I’d urge everyone to sign the petition, share it as far and wide as possible and let everyone know why this centre is so important to our community, so myself, Cllr Casey and residents can make sure the council gets the message loud and clear!”
Councillor Paul Bradley, Dudley Council’s deputy leader, recently gave the go-ahead for a £10k spend on external consultants to review Sycamore Adventure and Astley Burf Outdoor Activity Centre in Stourport-on-Severn which are both losing money.
Challenge Kit Ltd are carrying out the review which will look at possibly outsourcing services to improve financial sustainability, although closure has not been ruled out.
Sycamore Adventure is a registered charity and located on the same site as a pupil referral unit, Sycamore Short Stay School - a separate facility which is also under review.
The adventure centre offers services including toddler stay and play, go-karts, family play and inclusive play for children with disabilities. Its budget for 2024/25 is £48,000 but in the last financial year it recorded an overspend of £49,000 due to reduced income.
Cllr Bradley said: “This centre is important to us but, given the financial challenges faced in local authority, we need to review its usage to see if efficiencies can be found.
“That’s why we are currently exploring options of how we may be able to increase profits at the site and ultimately keep it open.
“I would like to reassure users that the centre is currently open as normal.”
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