A LOCAL councillor is urging people to make full use of the facilities on offer at Hubberston Community Centre.

With the centre facing an uncertain future, Cllr Viv Stoddart, who represents the Hubberston ward, has said it is vital to demonstrate that the centre is a focal point for the whole community, with a range of activities for children and adults from Hubberston and Hakin.

Earlier this month, the Mercury reported that a pledge to transfer management of the centre to the Flying Start programme – thereby safeguarding it for the community it until 2017 – was no longer possible.

This was despite assurances by Cabinet in November that the switch would happen ‘no later than Easter 2015’.

Asked why the viability of the plans had not been fully investigated before the idea was put before, and approved by, cabinet, as spokesman for the county council said: "Initial scoping suggested that there could be a possibility of using the building in other ways, however more in depth work carried out following the Cabinet decision determined that these options were not viable."

At present, the centre, which is used by many people in the community, including a popular and thriving playgroup, remains open, and local people are urged to make the most of the services on offer.

A snapshot of the varied classes available from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Learning Pembrokeshire programme this spring include the popular 'regulars' such art, jewellery making, tai chi and yoga.

Tomorrow (Thursday) the centre is enrolling for a ten-week course in patchwork and quilting, and will be hosting a three-hour life drawing session on Thursday, May 14, starting at 10am, with induction at 9.30am.

In addition there are one-off craft sessions on Saturdays in April, May and June, including three separate sewing workshops in bag making, cushions, and Roman blinds.

In June there will be a three-week course in ceramics.

There will also be single-session classes in emergency first aid and first aid for parents.

For more information contact milfordhaven-learning@pembrokeshire.gov.uk; or use this link www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/learningpembrokeshire; or phone Viv on 01646 692758.