A COMMUNITY group bidding to run Oxenwood says it is committed to long-term fundraising to ensure that the outdoor provision is kept open for the children of Wiltshire.

Community First is a not- for-profit organisation that has submitted a business plan to run the threatened centre near Marlborough.

Lynn Gibson, CEO of the Devizes charity, said: “We are a leading youth support provider in the county and strongly believe that Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre has a unique role to play in the future provision of outdoor education for Wiltshire’s young people, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

“This provision has clear short and long-term benefits for Wiltshire’s young people, in terms of improved health both physical and mental alongside increased attainment.

“We recognise that there will be significant ongoing revenue and capital funding requirements for Oxenwood.

“We are fully committed to the long-term fundraising that the service will require, as its social value is clearly so high.”

Community First would apply for funding grants in order to pay for work needed to be done at the site and plans to focus on providing affordable outdoor activities in Wiltshire.

During a cabinet meeting held in Salisbury on Tuesday (June 12) councillors voted to keep Braeside and Oxenwood open until the end of the year while four business cases are market tested by Wiltshire Council.

Community First is the only plan submitted for Oxenwood, with three groups interested in Braeside in Devizes.

Wiltshire Council confirmed that it would only consider proposals by charities and the private sector wanting to operate the centres for children.

The council received criticism for refusing to keep the centres open until next summer to honour bookings already made by schools.

Cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Laura Mayes said: “The centres will remain open for business until the end of the year while we carefully scrutinise these expressions of interest to see if they are viable for the longer term.

“I fully support the benefits of outdoor education, however, we are not the right body to run these. As a council we need to focus our priorities. on funding for support for our vulnerable children and investing in our education priorities.

“The decision to dispose of Braeside and Oxenwood was not taken lightly and I know best efforts will be made as the market testing is carried out on the future possibilities for the sites.”