The Penny Lane Community Trust, which operates a Beatles visitor center near the famed roundabout sung about by the band is shutting down, the Liverpool Echo reports.
In 2010, the community centre and Beatles visitor centre opened its doors with a wide range of Fab Four memorabilia, complete with a striking mural of Paul McCartney and John Lennon adorning its outer wall. The trust's building is often visited by guides who come out to the city’s suburbs to show tourists Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
However, in a social media post, Julia Gornell, the trust’s senior charity officer said the building would close for the final time on December 31. She wrote how the charity had faced increased utility costs and reduced footfall which placed a “huge toll” on “already limited resources”.
Cllr Richard Kemp, a former Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Penny Lane ward councillor, said it was important the building was maintained for community use. Posting on Facebook, Ms. Gornell said it was “with the heaviest and saddest heart” she was confirming the trust's closure.
[Cornell added] “We are now entering into our lean months and we have to face the reality and be responsible. Due to increased utility cost, reduced funding opportunities and reduced footfall from visitors, has taken a huge toll on our already limited resources.
"In addition to this, the building is 16 years old and in need of some TLC and upgrades. So, we have started the process of winding down the charity and hopefully our good name will become part of the history of Penny Lane.”
...The centre's garden is decked out with The Beatles theme. A yellow submarine, donated by the Cavern Club stands in the grounds, alongside the former gates from the Mather Avenue fire station, while a wall is specially decorated to celebrate the fab four.
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