Coalfields Regeneration Trust pledges to ensure 'maximum benefit for the Mexborough community' after Mexborough Community Partnership goes into liquidation

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), which had handed a £300,000 grant to help the partnership buy Mexborough Resource Centre, says it is ‘disappointed’ with the situation and will work with its advisors to make sure as little is lost by the community as possible.

The Mexborough Community Partnership had recently sold the centre to a local business, Mexborough Business Centre, a move which had upset local politicians because it had been paid for with a grant from the trust. The CRT was also looking into the sale.

Chief executive of the CRT, Gary Ellis, said: “We are aware that Mexborough Community Partnership has been placed into liquidation.

“We are disappointed with this outcome and had proposed a solution that would ensure the funds generated from the proceeds of the sale of their building would support local projects for the Mexborough community for years to come.

“Now that the organisation has been placed into liquidation, we will continue to work with our advisors to ensure that maximum benefit for the Mexborough community is achieved.”

Meanwhile Coun Sean Gibbons, who had raised concerns over the sale of the building said he was disappointed that the decision to go into liquidation had had to be taken, and he was still concerned about the situation.

"We will continue to work with the senior team at Doncaster Council and other parties to hopefully find some way that Mexborough can benefit.”

Barnsley-based accountants Gibson Booth have been appointed by the High Court as liquidators to ‘realise the assets’ of Mexborough Community Partnership.

Sue Phillips, chairman of Mexborough Community Partnership, said she could not comment at present.

She previously said MCP directors felt the deal for the sale was the best they could get, and Mexborough Resource Centre would remain part of the community.

Mexborough Business Centre has been approached for comment.

Last years its sales and media and manager, Steve Cooper, said the sale of the resource centre was approved by the Charities Commission, and retained the building in community use with free training and hobby courses.

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