A Dunblane baby and toddler group have criticised changes made at a community centre in the town which they claim could force them to disband their operations.
Twinkletoes Baby and Toddler Group, which has been run out of the Braeport Centre for around a decade, has written an open letter to the centre’s management after being informed it was being moved rooms from January 1 to a smaller space.
The group, which is staffed by volunteers and parents, claim it was informed via email on October 31 of the intention for it to be moved from its current spot in Cathedral View Room to the Haining Room.
In a letter published on social media to the Dunblane Development Trust, the group write: “This decision has serious implications for our group’s ability to operate safely and effectively.
“The Haining Room’s capacity of 50 is significantly less than the Cathedral View Room’s 80, which we regularly utilise.
“This capacity reduction does not account for the space required for our equipment, which is essential for the safety and functionality of our sessions. Without sufficient space, we risk disbanding the group, as no other suitable venue is available.
“In addition to the room change, we were not informed in the initial communication about the substantial reduction in storage space. This was later conveyed to us verbally, and it will severely impact the range of toys and equipment we can provide.
“This, in turn, diminishes our group’s purpose and effectiveness as a playgroup. It is a huge disappointment that no one has felt the need to consult us before making these decisions.”
They have since published a community feedback form, aiming to get the views of locals on the proposed changes, as well as on the contribution made by Twinkletoes locally.
Sam Todd from Twinkletoes told the Observer: “There was no attempt made to engage with us or try to find an amicable solution to the issues and the new room has a much lower capacity so there will be no space to move out in that smaller room.
“Our group would probably have to become a baby-only group which would be a real shame; we don’t make any profit, just enough to tick over and make back the costs of the hall hire itself.
“There are many groups have been moved to accommodate those being brought in, whether it’s going from two rooms to one, or just being asked to leave.
“Twinkletoes has been in existence here for about the years and a group of some kind in Dunblane for about 40 years but this decision probably means we would to disband in December.
“That would give us time to clear out equipment and sell it on before the deadline in the first week of January.”
Another group which makes regular use of the space at the Braeport is Monument Dance Centre, who have managed to find space to continue in two halls at a later time.
But they were also critical over the communication from DDT, claiming an email was sent to a mistyped address of one of their teachers – leading to a stressful period after finding out of the changes via social media.
In response, a statement from DDT confirmed it had agreed to lease one of the rooms at the centre to an “established local fitness and sports health business”.
The statement continued: “The majority of existing activities will not be affected and continue with minimal alteration to times and room use.
“The Development Trust were able to retain or offer alternate hall lets covering 88 per cent of booked hall hours.
“As a community focussed trust the trust staff and volunteers are working with all affected users to ensure their activities can continue either within an altered framework at the Braeport Centre or in alternate facilities within the Dunblane locality.
“Braeport Centre in common with many community run facilities is totally dependent on rental income and the support of the local community to maintain the financial viability of the facility.
“The additional security offered through the lease arrangement will help to secure the future of the centre and allow the operators to seek additional funding to undertake much needed modernisation and enhancement to the centre’s facilities.”