A long-standing Suffolk art club is facing uncertainty after being told by a council that the lease for its premises would not be renewed.

Woodbridge Art Club has been operating in the town for nearly 50 years, but the town council has decided not to offer the club another lease amid plans to make the property near the Tide Mill available for wider community use.

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Club member Judy Clements said: "Members are stunned, after so many years and so much work.

"The club has been a mainstay for so many people for so long.

"Many have battled mental issues, getting solace from the joys of painting and gentle help from members they have known for years.

"The club has been like a family, taking care of each other, pride in their home and pleasure from giving their visitors enjoyment in visiting the exhibitions and sometimes buying a small gift for a special person.

The club started in a side extension to the mill's granary in September 1976 and grew in size with a number of potters, painters and lace makers exhibiting there.

 

At one time, the club had nearly 200 members and there was a waiting list to join, while it also attained charitable status and organised a day for disabled painters.

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Woodbridge Mayor Eamonn O'Nolan said the council decided not to renew the lease for the club, which is due to expire on March 31, because it wanted to review how the building was used in the future.

He added the council wanted to share the facility between community groups that could not find a venue in the town and services hit by funding cuts, such as youth clubs and mother and toddler groups.

He said there was no reason why the art club could not still use the building from time-to-time, while the council was trying to help the club find a new venue.

"It is true that they had a lease for an awful long time.

"It is also true that they are a private club, not a charity or community organisation and we had a long discussion in the council probably a month or six weeks ago and basically we felt that the community could use the building better if it was shared and it was opened to more groups," Mr O'Nolan added.

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