A VITAL under-threat community resource in Hawick has received a much-needed financial lifeline.

Burnfoot Community Hub is at the heart of the area it serves.

And there was constellation recently when it was announced that nine jobs were to be axed after the closure of its café was confirmed.

The hub provides a soft-play, a community garden, a food share facility and a function room.

It also stages cooking workshops, kids’ parties, community events and much more.

But escalating utility bills led to the centre’s recent closure as the result of significant financial pressures.

The hub has since reopened as talks between Burnfoot Community Futures (BCF), the charity which owns and manages the building, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Scottish Borders Council continue in a bid to find a positive resolution to the crisis.

But now hope has emerged that the hub can survive after Hawick Common Good Fund Sub-Committee approved a funding application from Burnfoot Community Futures at a meeting on Wednesday (November 15).

The £10,000 will allow the hub to continue to operate whilst work is taken forward to put in place a financially sustainable business model and develop associated future plans.

Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall said: “Whilst I’m conscious that this cash injection won’t solve all the current issues at the hub, nonetheless I’m confident it will go a very long way to help them get back on track and more importantly a much more stable financial footing.

“The hub plays a huge and pivotal role in supporting not only the people of Burnfoot but also the much wider community of Hawick.”

Other sources of funding to secure the short term position continue to be explored, with opportunities being sought through local and national funders.

Zoe Hall, from Burnfoot Community Futures, said: “We are exceptionally grateful to receive this funding from Hawick Common Good Fund and we continue to work with the council, SOSE and other partners to seek further funding which will help us address immediate financial challenges and help us move forward to become financially sustainable.

“There are no plans to re-open the hub café in the immediate future and we continue to progress discussions with the staff affected by its closure.”