Trust running community centres shuts over funding

A TRUST which runs three community centres in Newcastle is shutting down.

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The Newcastle Community Asset Trust (NCAT) was responsible for looking after community hubs in Fawdon, Cowgate, and Blakelaw, the latter of which also houses a Post Office.

But it was confirmed on Friday that the charity is to cease trading - with rising costs, reduced funding, and the long-term impact of the Covid pandemic blamed for its demise.

The trust entering insolvency will see control of the public buildings pass back to Newcastle City Council, which had previously transferred them to the trust in the hope of securing their future at a time of budget cuts.