A CHARITY art academy has been forced to cancel classes due to start in September after its funding was withdrawn at short notice.

Blooming Art Academy, based on Academy Street in the town centre, runs art classes for residents and has been described as being at “the very fabric of our community’s wellness”.

In a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon, Gail Stubbings, the owner of the art academy, confirmed that “after several years we will no longer be delivering courses for The Learning Curve Group from immediate effect”.

The Learning Curve Group is a national training specialist that provides the primary funding to the academy.

It released a statement, confirming: “The course you were hoping to enrol onto in September has been postponed due to a lack of funding in your area.

“We sincerely apologise for this, and we will work to continue to look to access funding in the future to be able to support courses in your area.”

Gail said: “To say I am devastated is an understatement. Blooming Art has been a lifeline for hundreds and hundreds of people.

“We have seen people thrive within our hub and so many gain employment.”

A resident, Susie Marr, has contacted Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols to try to secure further help for the academy, which she describes as a “beacon of hope and healing for countless members of our community”.

The resident added: “In a time where mental health concerns are on the rise, the work of Blooming Art is invaluable.

“Its programs and initiatives have provided a safe space for individuals to seek support, guidance and healing.

“From support groups to workshops and educational resources, Blooming Art has consistently shown its commitment to uplifting and improving the lives of hundreds in the community”.

The resident, Susie Worsley urged the MP to help to secure the necessary funding for Blooming Art to “enable this vital resource to continue to operate and flourish”.

On the Facebook post confirming the problems facing the academy, Gail said she is “extremely resourceful” and “confident I can still make my Academy work”.

“It is too special to so many people” she said.

She also confirmed that she was looking at alternative funding options and received plenty of support from other concerned residents.