Lifeline day centre The Hollies in East Lothian announces closure 'with heavy heart'

The day centre on the High Street is a lifeline to people over 60.

A community hub and cafe that provides meals and much-needed services for the elderly has announced it’s closing its doors, after being refused a grant from the council.

The Hollies Hub on Musselburgh High Street which has served the community since 1962 said they have ‘fought for many years’ to keep their doors open but will now be forced to shut next week.

One of the bosses has accused the council of ‘longstanding bias’ against the hub. The day centre which helps older people who are socially isolated is the last council-owned, open community building on the High Street.

The Hollies has served the community for more than fifty years

Announcing the closure bosses said: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the closure of The Hollies Community Hub. We've fought for many years to keep our doors open but we just cannot continue. Our staff and volunteers are devastated and worry deeply for the customers and Lunch Club members to whom The Hollies has been their lifeline, offering warm meals, companionship and safety.

"Unless the miracle of a significant sponsorship were to happen, our last day will be on Thursday the 2nd of November, please come along between now and then, we'd love to make our last couple of weeks as positive as possible. We would like to thank each and every single person who has ever supported us, it is truly appreciated.”

Manager Liz Shannon said the lack of resources in Musselburgh for older people is a ‘disgrace’. In a letter published in a newspaper she accused council officers of a ‘long standing bias against the Hollies’. Ms Shannon said: “This statement will cost me my much-loved job. However, I consider it worth it if the message finally gets out to the community that this is their last chance to save the Hollies because once it closes it will never reopen.”

The charity launched a petition to save the centre last year and before that a fundraiser brought in cash for roofing problems and other repairs. Bosses said they are grateful to local groups from golf clubs to nurseries who raised £13,000 between November and December last year.

But despite continuing efforts of staff and volunteers they don't have enough to meet monthly costs of £16,000 to keep the doors open. The centre received funds of £32,000 from the council in April, 2022. After a last-ditch bid for a grant from the Musselburgh Common Good Fund to save the hub they were told on October 6 that because the council couldn’t give the whole amount requested they would receive no cash.

Locals expressed their sadness and shock at the news with one branding it a ‘travesty’. One resident said: “So sorry to hear this. East Lothian Council should be ashamed of themselves. We’re coming into winter and people are at their most vulnerable. The dark nights energy costs at the highest. Hope that some rescue plan can get put in place. The Hollies has always been there. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers.”

Another said: “This is an absolute disgrace. The Hollies has been an institution for years and a huge support to so many.”

East Lothian Council has been contacted for comment.