Historic venue at risk without 'urgent support'

The St Agnes Miners and Mechanics' Institute has been open in the Cornish village for more than 130 years

A charity has warned a community centre it operates might have to close unless "urgent" financial help is found as "bills have quadrupled in three years".

Trustees of the St Agnes Miners and Mechanics' Institute (MMI) in Cornwall said the venue had been "at the heart of village life" for more than 130 years but rising costs had put its future in doubt with concerns it could be forced to shut in 2026.

A "Save the MMI" campaign has been launched with the aim of raising £40,000 to keep the building open.

Hilary Owen, an MMI trustee, said they hoped to safeguard the site's future rather than "just patching things up".

Ms Owen said costs had "exploded" since 2020 and had made it really tough to sustain the site.

The charity said its vision for the MMI's future included investing in greener energy systems to help the planet and cut bills.

It said it also wanted the building to remain an accessible and affordable space for local residents and groups to use while expanding support offered to families, young people and the elderly.

Miners and Mechanics' Institute trustee, Hilary Owen, said the charity wanted to ensure the site was sustained for future generations to use

Ms Owens said the charity wanted to ensure the venue could be used by future generations.

"We're not a crisis point yet, but we do have to prepare for what the future might hold," she said.

"So far, we've seen so much energy and love and I think people have realised what the community would be like if we lost the space."

The charity said people who want to help with the campaign can make a donation online or in person at the venue.

It added people can also help by volunteering at the building.