It was great to meet with the Guardians of the Strutts at the Strutts Community Centre – the group that runs the Strutts Centre.
After the school was vacated by Derbyshire County Council in 2009, Belper rallied together to make it a community centre that is now used for community groups, businesses, and community meetings.
One of the things I discussed with the Guardians of the Strutts was about how much work needs to be done on the building. Because it is over 100 years old, it has many challenges associated with it.
There is a way to help. The more people that use the building and pay to hold events or meetings there, the more money can be put back into the repairs to ensure its longevity. I am committed to work alongside the Guardians of the Strutts to make sure that we can attract as much money possible to the community centre, and raise the profile of this building so more people use it.