THE future of a vital community group which serves schoolchildren, elderly and disabled people, has been secured after cuts had threatened its existence.

Concerns had been raised over the future of the Garden Gate Association, which runs a community allotment in Barnoldswick, after Lancashire County Council took the decision to reassign the person who carried out the lion share of the group’s administrative duties.

The group provides horticulture opportunities to people who do not have gardens of their own.

Bosses had feared they would have to cut back or axe activities if another was not assigned to the role.

However, they are now celebrating after the county council found a volunteer to take over the duties.

The move will allow the group to run a series of regular events at the Coates Estate allotment, which are well-attended.

David Arnold, chairman of the Garden Gate Association, said the administer was responsible for dealing with applications for CRB checks for members, as well as organising and raising funds for the nine or so events the group holds each year.

He said: “We were told at the end of last year that the help would be withdrawn.

“Without a person to help us out, we couldn’t do all the events we do during the year.”

Despite its aim to make all community groups self sufficient, the county council’s young people’s service made an exception and assigned an administrator.

County Coun Mark Perks, cabinet member for young people, said: “Garden Gate does valuable work in the community and I’m pleased that we have been able to offer support to enable them to establish themselves over the last three years.

“As is usual in these cases, our aim is to enable voluntary organisations to stand on their own two feet. The Young People’s Service has found a volunteer to take on the administrative work and we will work alongside them to ensure that they have the support they need to carry out those admin duties and apply for funding.

“Garden Gate will still have access to our equipment and facilities.”