IN the end it is not the building that counts but the people.

But the closure of Southampton’s African Caribbean Community Centre will be a sad day for the city and those associated with the group.

After a brave attempt to raise £300,000 to carry out essential repairs to the crumbling building, supporters have reluctantly decided to call it a day.

Numbers using the centre have been falling off, no doubt due more to the state of the Trinity Road building than any lack of support for the centre itself.

The association will continue, however, and this paper has little doubt their indomitable spirit will ensure the heart of the body will continue to beat strongly.

And the sale of the building and site is likely to provide the funds to provide a new home for the group.

What will be essential is the message that goes out is of a strong continuing community organisation that continues its work in support of so many people.

Here’s to a new home and a new start in the very near future.