THE controversial Mossbourne Federation Trust, which runs three schools in Thurrock, says it is 'deeply saddened' after its price rise forced community groups out of one of its building.

Aspirations Performing Arts, founded by local dance teacher Angela Paton in 2007 and then taken over by Natasha Cook in 2018, has spent two decades providing affordable dance and performing arts classes to children of all backgrounds, with a mission to ensure cost is never a barrier to participation at Gable Hall school, now known as Mossbourne Fobbing Academy.

For many years, the group was allowed to use the venue free of charge as a community project.

As management of the site changed over time, a modest hire fee was introduced during the latter days of the Ortu Federation's tenure as the school's governing trust, which Aspirations 'reluctantly absorbed' by making small increases to class fees.

However, Mossbourne, gave notice that it planned an increase and for a brief spell no payments were made until Mossbourne delivered news of the big increase last week.

It has now upped the rent to an extent that Aspirations says it can no longer stay there and it is looking for a new home.

Ms Cook says: "We have been informed that continuing to use the facilities would cost £1,740 every month — more than £20,000 per year, effective immediately.

"Over the years, hundreds of local children have come through my doors. Many have been with the school for years, growing up together and forming lifelong friendships.

"The school has also proudly welcomed children with special educational needs; most recently over the last few years as the school has no pressures of competitions or exams this is a comfort to them.

"Mossbourne's increase is incredibly disappointing."

Mossbourne has confirmed it has instigated the increase and says it is saddened by the outcome.

A statement from the education trust says: "Unfortunately, due to the significant financial constraints faced by the academy, we are financially unable to subsidise the provision of the Aspirations Performing Arts dance school beyond December of this year.

"We are incredibly saddened to have had to make this decision, which, though unavoidable, we recognise will impact youngsters in the local community."

Also affected by the increase and now looking for new premises is the Footsteps Special Needs Group, a club that has been going for more than 30 years at Gable Hall.

The group helps disabled adults and gives them a place to go and build new skills.

Aspirations is now urgently exploring alternative venues and appealing for support from the local community to help secure its future.

Anyone who may be able to offer an affordable venue, sponsorship, or support is encouraged to get in touch with Natasha on 07528682094 or email [email protected].