Lease delay could be ‘game over’ for group

A DUMFRIES club have stressed that continued delays to a lease at Cresswell Community Centre could mean ‘game over’ for their group. Guild of Gaming Dumfries – a registered charity that provides a safe, inclusive space for people of all ages to enjoy tabletop gaming – believe their long-term sustainability is threatened after Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed further delays regarding their lease with the community centre. A spokesman for the council has stated that during inspections – before the handover – faults were found with the boiler and cooker and they are currently in the process of being repaired/replaced. They said it was “essential” work. Since January last year, the guild have been in active discussions with the local authority about moving into the centre under a two-year lease arrangement. But the proposed move has buffered, which has concerned group founder and chairman Danny Bennet. He explained: “We were repeatedly told summer 2025, then October 2025 and then December 2025. “We are now well past all of those points, with no confirmed timescale. “Our current premises were always short-term, agreed only because we were told we would have access to Cresswell by October. “We have stretched funding, extended temporary arrangements, and done everything we can to keep sessions running. But the reality is that continued delays now threaten our long-term sustainability.” The group say they have been informed the delay is due to a boiler issue at Cresswell. Danny added: “The council has been aware of it since early 2025. Despite this, there has been no meaningful progress for over ten months. “At this point, I’m at my wits’ end.” He has called on his members to speak up, adding: “I am asking, genuinely and personally, for anyone who cares about the Guild to email or call local councillors and ask them to press the council officers involved to urgently prioritise this matter. “I wouldn’t ask this unless it genuinely mattered. The Guild exists because of its community, and right now, your voices are what we need most.” Responding, a Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesman said: “Our council has been working closely with the Guild of Gaming to arrange their move into Cresswell Community Centre. “Unfortunately, during inspections, faults were identified with the boiler and cooker. Both are currently in the process of being repaired or replaced, and once this work is complete, we will be able to progress with the lease. “It’s essential that the building meets safety standards before it can be used, and we are committed to resolving these issues as swiftly as possible.” The popular Guild was last year named Dumfries and Galloway Youth Group of the Year.