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One of the campaigners who fought to keep the city’s Caribbean social club open more than a decade ago says it will ‘be more than just a building closing’.
The Jalgos club has temporarily closed and its future hangs in the balance.
Dating back to the 1960s the club in Rose Street has been at the beating heart of the city’s Afro-Caribbean community since.
Read more: The Jalgos Journey in Preston – 1962 to …?
Stephen Poleon, an expert in black history and long-time supporter of Jalgos, said he was concerned about what the city may lose without its presence.
He told Blog Preston: “This is more than just a building potentially closing, it’s the loss of an institution and the loss of history. The Caribbean Club closed in 2009 and so much history and heritage was lost. Not just for the Caribbean community but the wider community at large.
“I think that whilst discussions are taking place at present about saving heritage in Preston it must be highlighted that if Jalgos does indeed close forever, it will be a great cultural loss to the city.
“But who will notice? Is the desire to protect heritage in Preston colour blind? When we talk about local heritage is there any room for diverse communities?
“I’m just very upset and saddened by the possibility of Jalgos closing for good and what it means. I fought against Tithebarn in 2010, one of the Save Our Club campaign t-shirts will be displayed in the Harris but if Jalgos closes what will locals know of it’s heritage and meaning?”
The club announced its closure on Monday 2 December and a meeting of Jalgos members its due to take place on Sunday 15 December at 2pm at Jalgos.
Preston City Council said they had no communication with the club regarding its future at this stage.
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