Centre close to 100yrs community service (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Centre close to 100yrs community service

February 10, 2006 12:00 AM

pe and mw swarthmore The Swarthmore Centre in Woodhouse Square is looking forward to celebrating its centenary in three years time. Founded by Quakers, the centre has provided a host of learning opportunities, both vocational and recreational, to students of all ages and interests over the last century. The building itself is listed and, as a site on the Leeds Peace Trail, has its own interior "trail" naming occupants and uses in its rich one hundred year history. Councillor Penny Ewens is a board member on the Swarthmore Council.

Cllr Penny Ewens (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said "The Swarthmore Centre is an outstanding asset to the city of Leeds. The impact the centre has had on so many lives over the last 100 years cannot be underestimated. Yet, some of the good work done at the centre faces an uncertain future due to funding difficulties. Unfortunately these difficulties are symptomatic of the voluntary sector as a whole right across Leeds. This is a major stumbling block for many voluntary organisations and one issue I am particularly keen to address."

Notes to the Editor:

· Swarthmore is managed by Director Malcolm Walters (centre) seen in the attached jpeg with Councillor Penny Ewens (left).

· Along with other members of the Swarthmore Council Malcolm Walters and Cllr Ewens had a recent meeting to discuss the future of the centre with regard to both activities and funding.

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.