| AdminHistory | The first community house in Livingston dated from 1976, when the Corporation granted use of a house at Ivanhoe Rise, Dedridge, for community use. The houses were staffed by volunteers and run by elected management committees. By 1980 there were five in operation in Livingston.
The uses of such houses varied from area to area, but they were, in effect, small community centres where residents could meet to discuss mutual problems; be provided with a social atmosphere; to provide an information and service point for the community; to offer an opportunity for a person wishing to do voluntary work and to provide a counselling and caring contact point. Other houses ran toddler groups, or boys' and girls' clubs.
In 1979 the Corporation updated its policy on the provision of Community houses, whereby the Corporation would meet all running costs in the first year of operation. In the second year, if alternative funding could not be found, the Corporation would continue to provide costs. In the third year the Corporation would provide half of the running costs. After the third year the Corporation would only assist with rent and maintenance costs. If there was formal funding from other sources the Corporation expected the Community House to take on a formal lease.
Community Houses were transferred to West Lothian District Council on the Wind-up of the Corporation. |