A GRANT of more than £20,000 has helped secure the long-term future of The Fraser Centre after fears the coronavirus pandemic posed “a real threat” to its survival.

The centre only officially opened its doors in November last year but the group behind the building has been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19.

Being a large cinema and events venue, it will be one of the very last industries to reopen.

The Fraser Centre Community Trust feared that being closed posed a real threat to the survival of the group and the new facility, on Tranent’s Winton Place.

Fortunately, a grant of £21,500 has been secured from The National Lottery Community Fund and it comes at a pivotal time.

The grant enables the trust to effectively pause financial operating costs and help to secure a long-term future.

Jonny Russell, chairman of The Fraser Centre Community Trust, stressed the importance of the funding.

He said: “We are delighted that the National Lottery have recognised the importance of The Fraser Centre in breathing new life into this community.

“The new centre had only been in operation for a matter of months before we were forced to close.

“This award is great news and gives the trust a massive boost in our ability to plan our reopening, which will include the anticipated new Fraser Centre cafe.”

Jonny, who is also a keen singer, founded the charity back in 2011.

He has been keeping spirits up on the trust’s social media pages by singing live from The Fraser Centre in his ‘Kovid Karaoke’ every Friday in the empty building.

The Fraser Centre Community Trust was already awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, which significantly attributed to the capital build project.

In the opening few months of the building, it had witnessed increased employment and continuous growth, with 5,719 people attending 280 events, far surpassing what had been achieved in the previous Fraser Centre building.

Neil Ritch, Scotland director, The National Lottery Community Fund, praised the work of The Fraser Centre.

He said: “In these uncertain times, our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups.

“I would like to congratulate The Fraser Centre on the work they are doing.

“Theirs is an important project that will support people in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”