At a time when proposed council funding cuts are causing uproar in Hounslow , there was some good news for the west of the borough.
Feltham Arts, a hub for social activities for people of all ages in Feltham, Bedfont and Hanworth confirmed its funding from Hounslow council will be safe until 2019.
The announcement came as a huge relief to those who run the charity and will no doubt be welcomed by hundreds of people who signed a petition to save it from an untimely demise .
Ruth Wood, programme development manager at Feltham Arts, thanked the local community and getwestlondon readers for their support.
"Its lovely to know that there is so much support for Feltham Arts and their voices heard," Ms Wood said.
"We can now look forward to working with the communities of Hounslow and continue the work of the charity.
"Feltham Arts going forward will be looking at its sustainability beyond 2019 and aims to fundraise to secure significant funding to ensure the charity will continue.
"There is no denying this brings its own challenges and stiff competition in the sector, especially for the arts, however, the organisation has been very successful in fundraising in the past and will be in a strong position, especially given we now have two years to prepare."
The organisation which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019 will spend the next 24 months fundraising and planning for the future.
Towards the end of last year a petition was launched to save the much-loved Feltham Arts Association from proposed council funding cuts.
Speaking at the time, Ms Woods, said: "For 30 years the London Borough of Hounslow has provided an important grant to Feltham Arts which the charity uses to bring in additional funding to engage over 10,000 Feltham residents annually in a range of projects.
"The charity has always been managed by the council’s Community Partnership Unit (CPU), this important partnership has allowed us to maximise value for money with public funding and private funding.
"It has further unlocked additional funds precisely because of our key community role.
"We have been advised we are being moved from the Community Partnership Unit to Leisure, our funding will be cut within two years to zero."
In response to the petition, Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “The council has been forced to look hard at where we spend our resources, due to significant funding cuts from central government.
"As a result, a number of savings proposals have been put forward for consideration; the first tranche was discussed at the October cabinet and borough council meetings.
"No decision has yet been made on the remaining proposals, which will be considered between now and February 2017."
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