Orrell Park District and Community Association (OPDCA) in north Liverpool, which once counted BAFTA-nominated actor James Nelson-Joyce among its members, is laying off staff as its financial situation becomes increasingly perilous. The centre on Moss Lane, opposite the area's train station, has served the community for more than 50 years, welcoming thousands through its doors.
Staff given notice as funds run dry
The centre's three part-time staff members have been given notice that their employment will end as funds dry up. John Manwell, chair of trustees, said there is enough money to keep the site running until October, but the longer-term picture is uncertain. Operating costs total between £65,000 and £70,000 per year, and if the requisite cash cannot be found by August, the centre will be forced to close.
Community activities at risk
Around 100 users currently attend OPDCA, participating in knitting and reading groups, a zumba class, and health and wellbeing events, all organised by the staff. Liverpool Council contributes a small youth and community grant of about £5,000 a year.
Former user James Nelson-Joyce
One of the centre's former users is Walton-based actor James Nelson-Joyce, who rose to fame starring as lead role Michael Kavanagh in BBC crime drama This City Is Ours, for which he received a BAFTA nomination. 2026 is set to be a landmark year for him, as he has been confirmed as a leading cast member in the period heist film The Man Who Stole Portugal, starring alongside Richard E Grant and Dominic West. The film is based on the Murray Teigh Bloom novel about one of the biggest financial frauds of the 20th century.
Urgent search for solutions
The centre's board of trustees has been urgently exploring options to keep the site afloat. In May, Mr Manwell wrote an open letter to the community calling for ideas and suggestions. Speaking to the ECHO, he said: “We have enough funds to take us through to October and have had some promising conversations. Dan Carden and his team have been a great help.” He added: “The centre has been open for 50 years serving generations and we’re trying to engage with local businesses. Users have told us they would be happy to pay a small subscription fee. To just stay open we need a few thousand a month, it’s not a trivial thing. The centre creates a network for people, particularly the elderly.”
In May, Liz McClintock, centre co-ordinator, said it would be “devastating” if the site closed and admitted it faced a “crisis point”.
Council support
A spokesperson for Liverpool Council said: “The city council and our neighbourhood’s team have been in contact with the association who runs the community centre and will remain on hand to offer support and advice if they need it.”
