THE threat of closure has been lifted from a vital village community centre near Drongan - despite safety concerns surrounding the building's capacity.

A party at the Rankinston Community Centre later this month will now be able to go ahead as planned after East Ayrshire councillors granted a three-year public entertainment licence (PEL) for the venue.

The Rankinston Community Association (RCA) had applied for a licence to allow the building to host events attended by up to 120 people at tables, or up to 140 in cinema-style seating.

But officials from the local authority's building standards team said the location of the building's fire exits meant a licence should only be granted for a maximum capacity of 60.

The RCA said it wanted the licence so it can host events which are open to the public between 9am and 12.30am.

In their application to EAC's local government licensing panel, the RCA said a party was scheduled to take place at the venue on Saturday, May 18, having been booked and paid for back in February.

The association also said that concerns over the building's capacity had not been raised "until recently", and that no issues had been raised at a fire risk assessment carried out in 2021.

Despite the officials' concerns, the panel granted the application for the full three years without any alteration to the capacity.

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An association spokesperson said the centre acts as a key community asset.

In a letter to the panel, hey said: “Rankinston Community Centre provides a range of amenities and services for the local community, including space for social gatherings, events, meetings and activities.

“It offers recreational facilities for local school and youth clubs.

“Additionally, the centre serves as a venue for hosting various events and activities for both the local school and wider community, fostering community spirit and cohesion, providing community engagement opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

"Rankinston does not have any local shops or facilities. The community centre plays a key role in many ways for the residents of Rankinston.

"It is more than just a venue, it is the heart of the community, offering not only space for events and gatherings but also a focal point for social interaction, support and access to essential services.

"We applied for a three-year PEL following the guidance provided by Vibrant Communities and East Ayrshire Council staff. 

“Our community centre has consistently operated with a capacity of 140 cinema seating and a 120 table set up, which we believe adequately serves the community's needs.

"Our fund-raising events, weddings, private functions and even our weekly bingo would all be affected if the current capacity was reduced.

"The community association believes that, since the fire risk assessment conducted by an EAT health and safety adviser in 2021, no alterations have been made to the building. 

"Therefore we believe it should still be considered safe for up to 140 people.

"Our centre cannot operate at a reduced capacity. We may be forced to close our doors as the centre would no longer adequately meet the needs of the community."

The licence was approved at a meeting of the panel on April 25.