A PENSIONER who suffered two heart attacks and relies on physiotherapy classes to stay healthy has been left devastated after the centre that hosted them was closed due to funding cuts.
David Kemp attended the St Roch’s sessions at Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre in Dennistoun, one of several community-focused activities that were staged at the hub.
The 85-year-old says he was stunned when he learned the complex in Whitevale Street, which had been operating for 30 years, had been axed as the result of a cash crisis.
David, who has also undergone surgery to have stents inserted, was recommended to join the classes after completing 12 weeks of rehabilitation at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary.
He say the physio sessions were a lifeline to people coping with cardiovascular disease and now fears his health could spiral into decline.
David, who lives in the Merchant City, exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “It came as a complete thunderbolt to everyone when we were told the centre was shutting down, basically because there’s no money to keep it open.
“It’s an important community resource and a lot of people rely on it. For folk like me with heart problems, the classes were essential for keeping on top of my health and my heart in good working order. Now I’m worried what will happen to me without them.
“Physio is so important, and I already feel my wellbeing is starting to slip. I’m upset by this and absolutely horrified that an important facility has been allowed to close. This will have a detrimental impact on so many who relied on the complex and the jobs it provided in one of the city’s most deprived areas. It’s a real tragedy.”
David, a retired journalist and former political editor for a television news channel, suffered his first heart attack in 2004 before being stuck a second time five years ago.
He claims that without the sessions he would have been unable to get back into good health.
The pensioner added: “The NHS rehabilitation programme only takes you so far, then you need to rely on classes like the one at the centre to keep yourself on track. For someone my age, finding something suitable is very difficult, and there will be plenty of others like me.”
A post on Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre’s Facebook page says it was with ‘deep regret’ that the charity was forced to pull the plug.
It added: “We are having to close due to a recent drop in funding. Our closure is hopefully for a short period of time and our charity will be dormant until future funding is found.”
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The popular centre, which was also a wedding reception venue, underwent a £3.5 million refurbishment in 2003. As well as family celebrations, it also homed parent and toddler groups, a youth hub, IT classes and a local Slimming World group, as well as a café.
It shut its doors on March 31, with no update on its future.
David said: “The sad part about all of this is that the centre was a much-loved and much-needed facility in the area. I made a lot of friends there and I’m already missing them.
“I know many people feel sad that this has been allowed to happen. It really is a wonderful community asset and surely something can be done to save it. Someone needs to step up and try and revive it.
“I think everyone is in shock about how quickly things unfolded. I just hope there’s a way back.”
It’s also understood that several jobs have been put at risk as a result of the closure.
Cllr Allan Casey spoke of his shock at the sudden blow to his Dennistoun ward.
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He added: “We are all saddened to hear that the Reidvale Neighbourhood centre has closed.
“The centre has been a vital part of Dennistoun, as well as serving the wider area for decades. I have already reached out to the centre and service users to offer our support and to assist them any way we can.
“I hope that a solution can be found to keep this facility at the heart of the community.”
A statement from Reidvale Housing Association, who leased the building to the charity, said: “Reidvale Housing Association has recently been made aware of the sad decision to close the local neighbourhood centre by the charitable company which has operated it for a number of years. Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre Management Committee, which leased the building in Whitevale Street from the housing association, is also ceasing operation as a result of funding issues.
“Dennistoun After School Care is unaffected by this situation and will continue to operate as normal.
“The decision to close the centre and to wind down the company was made by Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre Management Committee and was not influenced in any way by the housing association, which is an entirely separate organisation.
“The closure represents a huge loss to the community and Reidvale Housing Association, as owner of the building, is already seeking ways to ensure the re-opening of the centre as the earliest possible opportunity.”
The Glasgow Times reached out to the charity which ran the Neighbourhood Centre but received no response at the time of going to press.
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