Hilltown childcare providers have already seen their after-school club cash from the Fairer Scotland Fund cut from £75,000 to £25,000 for the coming financial year.

Concerns have been expressed by people in the area that the £25,000 might end up being spread so thinly between the three providers they would be as well not having it at all.

Phil Welsh, secretary of the Coldside Community Forum, said, “Services scattered throughout various locations do not encompass the idea of community, whereas a single centre which is eclectic in its activities allows for a sense of choice, belonging, togetherness and diversity.

“I think the main focus now is to keep up the campaign to ensure that ultimately a community facility will be built.

“Obviously I am not talking about a facility being built in the next few months, but when the regeneration plans for the Hilltown are finalised, we would like a guarantee that a new purpose-built community facility will be an integral part of that plan.”

Mr Welsh said a purpose-built facility would encourage a sense of community.

“I think realistically we are not looking for a venue with sports facilities,” he said.

“I think the days of the all encompassing community centre with squash courts and gym facilities are long gone.

“What I think the community is looking for is a facility where the activities which once took place in The Highwayman can do so again under one roof.

“A modern venue with meeting/activity rooms, IT provision and perhaps a tea/coffee bar is what we are striving for.”

The Highwayman was earmarked for demolition regardless of any funding being obtained from other sources and it is likely the after-school service will be moved to the Mark Henderson Centre and the Full Gospel Church by the end of the month.

The city council’s policy and resources committee voted through recommendations made by the Dundee Partnership for disbursement of cash from the Scottish Government’s Fairer Scotland Fund.

At present, 79 projects receive FSF money totalling £6.304 million.

That is to be reduced to £5.372 million, leaving only 33 of the projects continuing to receive their present allocation.