CAMPAIGNERS today warned their dream of saving a much-loved Aberdeen farm could die if councillors fail to back their plans.

Aberdeen City Council will finally make a decision next week on whether it will hand over the running of Doonies Farm to a group of volunteers – or shut it down for good.

The farm in Nigg was one of many facilities which Aberdeen City Council said would have to close as part of its £27 million cutbacks earlier this year.

But it was given a temporary stay of execution while the Friends of Doonies came up with an action plan to save it.

The group’s business plan is set to be discussed next Friday by an urgent business committee, as it falls within the council’s holiday period.

Jeanette Grant, a director of Friends of Doonies, said: “Hundreds and hundreds of hours have gone into this and this absolutely is a crucial time.

“If the council turns this down, then that will be it – our sponsors will not want to be involved in a long drawn out appeal.

“So many people have been willing to give their time for this, people have supplied things for free and at cost. We are not asking for the council to give money, just the goodwill to allow us to keep it going.

“So far, the council officers have not come back to us with questions on the business plan, all they have wanted is to see bank statements to show we have the money.

“What we really want the public to do is show how much they want to keep the place open. It will be the second week of the summer holidays and we want all those people who say they want to see it saved to walk through the gates.”

The Friends of Doonies has formed a new limited company to run the property.

It will run the farm at first on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, and will take responsibility for all costs.

The council will employ the staff but the new company will pay their wages. The business plan estimates that in about three years, the firm would buy the business from the council.

It is looking to agree a 30-year lease for the buildings and believes it can bring in £120,000 a year from the business, before any donations from companies or grants.

Architects Halliday, Fraser and Munro have drawn up designs to renovate a barn, turning it into a cafe and seating area.

Another group affected by the council cuts is Glencraft.

The factory on Wellington Road provides a workplace for people who are blind or otherwise disabled. It receives a council subsidy each year and fears it would have to shut if the council removes it.

It is believed a deal could be announced by the end of this month.

Council leader Kate Dean said: “There have been a lot of discussions between council officers and both Doonies and Glencraft. We hope we can find solutions in both cases.”

A hostel for ex offenders may also close due to the council’s financial position.

Council officials are proposing to axe the authority’s funding for St Fitticks House, in Torry.

The 14-bed halfway house takes in recently released prisoners and offers advice on finding work and homes.

A working group of officials has recommended shutting the hostel in Crombie Road. A decision will be taken by the policy and strategy committee on September 2.

Labour councillor for Torry, Yvonne Allan, said: “It is unacceptable that people who need support will no longer be given a second chance.”

A city council spokeswoman said: “The money to provide these services is provided by the Scottish Government.

“The allocation of money, which the council presently receives, means the services currently provided will not be sustainable in the future.”

nevans@ajl.co.uk