Hope for the Whitehawk Inn

The Whitehawk Inn was under threat of closure by March, but Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), which runs the centre, said it has committed ‘sufficient funds’ to keep it open for a further six months.

It added, however, that there would be ‘a reduced level of service’.

Andy Winter, BHT chief executive, said: “We are not out of the woods yet and the long term future remains uncertain but this is positive news for the people of East Brighton who use the Whitehawk Inn.

“In the short term, we will continue with most of our existing services.

“We are exploring a number of options for the future. We remain committed to providing much needed services for the people of East Brighton at the Whitehawk Inn.”

The community centre has been under threat of closure because of a funding shortfall.

It provides career advice, volunteering opportunities support and education courses for residents, as well as computer classes and gadget drop-ins, cooking classes, art groups and other activities.

When the news was first revealed about the centre’s possible closure last October, Tina O’Donnell, centre manager, said: “I think one of the things that it does is it’s a place where people can come and they can be who they are, without any pressure. You can catch up with friends, they can be who they want to be. It’s inter-generational, there is a mix here, it’s not just one age group. Services are being cut across the city so a lot of people are coming here.”