Salford Lads Club gets £100,000 boost from town hall in fight for survival

The fight to save Salford Lads and Girls Club from closure today received a massive boost with a £100,000 donation from the city's council. As revealed by the Manchester Evening News, the 120-year-old venue needs to raise £250,000 before the end of November to avoid shutting.

The town hall gift added to donations made to a GoFundMe fundraiser set up by the M.E.N. means more than £130,000 has now been raised in four days. The council said its contribution would be " committed to the club with immediate effect to help the club keep its doors open, remain operating and providing essential support to local children and young people."

The funding package will consist of a £20k match funding contribution from the city’s Crowdfunder programme. The additional funding, up to £80k will be provided in the form of a grant from the City Council Revenue Budget.

The council says it has acknowledged "not only the significance of Salford Lads Club as an iconic cultural venue for the city, but also its important role in supporting and shaping the lives of children and young people in the city."

In a statement, the council said: "The decision to act fast and activate this package of support is a reflection of the vital work done by the club and its volunteers and the need to secure its future. The support provided by the council will not just be financial. A further commitment has been agreed for council officers from across different departments to work more closely with the club to help ensure its survival."

The council will work closely with partners from across the city to garner further long term support for the club. The statement adds: "The council has recognised the important role of Manchester Evening News’ in raising awareness