THE management of a much-valued community facility have issued an update on the progress of its refurbishment works.

The Old Bank and Community Larder, in Camelford had previously confirmed details of its upcoming refurbishment plans.

However, it has since stated it will need to close a week prior to what had been previously advertised. In addition, it has warned those who might attend the sessions prior to its closure that, after removal of part of the floor, there might be sticky shoes.

The management also addressed criticism of the closure, telling residents that the trustees of the charity were faced with two choices due to the condition of the building — comprising of conducting the refurbishment or winding down their operations.

They confirmed that after applying for grants, funds were sourced to enable the refurbishment to take place.

A spokesperson for the Old Bank and Community Larder said: “We have taken the flooring up ready for the refurbishment. This means that part of the floor is very sticky. We will be using the tables to map out the cleanest route but please do not wear any expensive or important shoes if you come into the building. As previously said, we will try to minimise the part of the floor that is the stickiest but if you come into the building for food club or Saturday stock up you do so at your own risk!

“We had a site meeting and unfortunately, we will need to close one week earlier that planned. The last food club will be Wednesday, May 8, and the final Saturday stock will be on May 11. If you regularly attend food club, then please speak to us as soon as possible about extra food that will be available on May 8.

“We have received some criticism for closing for a few weeks so I would like to take this opportunity to address this. Due to the condition of the building, the trustees were left with two options. We either closed the charity down which would mean no community larder, no community kitchen, no community building and the end to all services we provide.

“We are all passionate about the work we do so we decided to apply for as many grants as possible to try to remain open. This has been a year of hard work, hundreds of hours of time and please remember that each and every one of us is a volunteer. We have no paid staff.

“After being rejected for numerous grants, we were very lucky to secure two which secures the charity. We have no choice but to shut for a few weeks but surely that’s worth it to secure our future.

“Let the refurbishment commence!”