Darlington arts centre shuts as charity 'ceases operation'

The Bridge Centre in Darlington will close along with the charity in March next year

An arts charity which helps children and vulnerable people is to fold over cost pressures and falling volunteer numbers.

Bosses said financial challenges also meant they could not continue to run The Bridge Centre for Visual Arts, Darlington.

The charity, along with their community hub on Hundens Lane, will close on 31 March next year.

It said it did not want to "let the charity to run into bankruptcy".

Director Chris Clark told the BBC the decision had been made with "great regret".

"The last few years have been challenging ones, as they have been for many charities," he said.

"Even with financial support from various grants, the current income falls well short of the core costs of operating The Bridge."

Mr Clark added that a reduction in volunteer numbers meant the "few remaining were finding it an increasing burden".

The Bridge Centre's building is currently home to other organisations including the Press Gang Etching Group and an Arts Café.

It had replaced Darlington's previous arts centre, which was in the town centre and was closed in 2012.

'Fantastic contribution'

Darlington Borough Council, which owns the building, said it had been informed the charity would cease to exist from next year.

A spokesperson said it would "signpost people to alternative facilities" so that remaining service-users could each "decide their best option".

"The charity has operated The Bridge Centre for Visual Arts building on a lease from the council for more than five years," the spokesperson said.

"We recognise the fantastic contribution it has made to the visual arts in Darlington during this time."