A CASH-STRAPPED community centre which faced closure is “thriving” once again with all services back-up and running and expansion plans in the works.

Harwich’s The Ark Family Resource Centre came under threat last September due to a lack of funding, with the venue needing between £20,000 and £25,000 each month in order to keep running.

The nursery – which was celebrating its 70th birthday at the time – was saved in December, however, thanks to an injection of community fundraising.

A total of 14 people took part in walking over coals in November to generate cash, while in December the Bottle Kiln hosted a quiz night, which in addition to other efforts raised £18,000.

More than 40 swimmers also took the plunge in Harwich on Boxing Day which raised £698, despite a modest £400 target.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Help - The Ark Centre's ArkXtra! which provides respite for families with children from 2-8 years old who have additional needsHelp - The Ark Centre's ArkXtra! which provides respite for families with children from 2-8 years old who have additional needs (Image: Submitted)

Back in December Clare Bridges - the Ark Centre’s manager - told the Standard the money combined with two additional grants meant the nursery and all its umbrella services could now stay open into 2024.

Claire has now confirmed all the services are up and running again – with the nursery now even expanding to include a baby room in September.

Claire said: “We have the Ark Club for 6–11-year-olds on a Monday evening and our baby group 'Baby Beyond' on a Wednesday morning.

“We have a sensory room which can now be hired out to families. We are very excited about ArkXtra! which provides respite for families with children from 2-8 years old who have additional needs.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Sensory - The Ark Centre's sensory roomSensory - The Ark Centre's sensory room (Image: Submitted)

Claire said this month the Ark Health Matter service also got underway, providing information and support for people to access cancer screening to help with early diagnosis.

She said: “This is a subject close to our hearts as one of our amazing team has returned to work after her diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer and completed treatment having the all-clear”

Claire also thanked The Royal Oak for its support over the past few months as well as The Trafalgar pub which chose the site as its charity for the year, as well as the Harwich Freemasons which provided a cheque on the charity night.