Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham has administered an update on the destiny of Salford Lads Girls Club with its future in suspicion.
The iconic Coronation Street institution is facing an existential danger. As first announced by the Manchester Evening News, the club ought to find £250,000 to survive. It is confronting closure because the expense of looking after its grade-II listed, 120-year-old home has soared. The Ordsall hub, most famously the setting for The Smiths’ 1985 photoshoot, states it will pay just short of £400,000 in outgoings in the next year, but only wishes to take in £160,000.
Who is supporting the Salford lads club financially?
A fundraiser has been formed to lend a helping hand, which has extended £137,000 in 10 days. The most major donor has been Salford City Council, which provided £100,000. Salford city mayor Paul Dennett informed the donation by stating: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm this significant funding package for Salford Lads Club.
“Having worked closely with the club for many years, we are acutely aware of the current financial difficulties and the challenging operating times it faces. There will be people around the world who are only aware of Salford, because of the Lads Club, via the lens of the famous Smiths photograph. So it is only right that the council provides this much-needed funding now and a commitment to support in the future.”
How is the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office assisting the club?
The Greater Manchester mayor’s office states it’s working with club bosses to determine how best to support them. Andy Burnham operated the Lads Club to establish his mayoral election manifesto back in April.
A spokesperson stated: “Salford Lads and Girls Club is an iconic institution in Greater Manchester that has supported their community for more than a century. We’re working closely with the club to explore all how we might be able to help them through this period so they can continue their fantastic work.” It’s understood projects are being worked on within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on how to support the Salford jewel, but these have yet to be made public.