CONCERNS have been raised that a flagship community building at the heart of Dunbar is becoming “an empty ship”.

The Bleachingfield Centre, which is home to the town’s library, meeting rooms and a sports hall, opened its doors in 2012.

However, concerns have been raised that the building is not being utilised to the best of its abilities.

Stephen Bunyan of Dunbar Community Council highlighted the issue at the group’s meeting last month.

He said: “Gill Wilson [fellow community councillor] and I have raised concerns that it is in danger of becoming an empty ship.

“We are rather anxious that it should be at the heart of the community but realise we are living in dangerous times.”

Mr Bunyan, who previously chaired the community council, spoke to the Courier after the meeting and confirmed that various other people had “expressed concerns” about the situation at the Bleachingfield Centre.

He said: “They no longer have the cafe let, so people are not coming in to have casual cups of coffee.

“They closed the business desk some time ago and you have to go to Haddington to talk to people about problems with the council.

“They also took away the registrar and people are not using the Bleachingfield Centre on a daily basis. Now they have to book it through Haddington or by the website and some people find that difficult.

“Also it seems to be rather problematic what you are charged if you use it.”

Mr Bunyan has already held initial conversations with Councillor Norman Hampshire, who is leader of the local authority and also represents the Dunbar ward.

He stressed it was “a little premature” to have fears about the future of the building, which also has an extensive children’s play area outside.

The Bleachingfield Centre, on the town’s Countess Crescent, was built on the site of the Scout Hall and Countess Youth Club.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The Bleachingfield Centre is very well-utilised, with increased usage by other council services and several new groups beginning to operate from the spaces.

“The library in particular has continued to provide space for new and longstanding community-based activities.

“A new digital drop-in has begun provided by People Know How, and funded through One Council partnership funding.

“Andy’s Mens Club continue their session there after moving from the Gibb rooms.

“Other groups that meet in the centre include a dementia group, table tennis, gentle exercise, seven scouting groups, three youth clubs, an after-school club and play group.

“Additionally, we have extended the youth work provision through our specialist youth worker, including a senior youth drop-in on a Thursday night.

“We recognise the value the community places in the Bleachingfield and our Connected Communities team has been working with the centre’s management committee to build capacity within their group and attract new members. The lease for the cafe will shortly be advertised and we are sure this provision will be a welcome return.”

l See our letters page on 22 for more on the Bleachingfield Centre