Future of Gosport charity Marvels and Meltdowns remains a mystery after financial irregularities found

Marvels and Meltdowns in Gosport saw co-founder and treasurer Tricia Lyons resign after ‘discrepancies’ were found in the charity’s accounts.

The charity serves as a nursery and support network for children with ADHD, autism and sensory processing disorder.

With the final day at its current site in Mill Lane looming, it is unknown where the charity will go after March 31.

Gosport Borough Council was due to discuss leasing a building in Phoenix Way to the charity - but this decision has now been deferred.

Charity CEO Shandrika Day told The News she ‘wouldn’t like to say’ what the future has in store for Marvels and Meltdowns.

She said: ‘I don’t really know any more about it and wouldn’t like to tempt fate.

‘It has been a difficult couple of weeks for us; we just have to sit tight and be patient.

‘We’ve had a lot of support after the news came out and we’re very grateful for that.’

The council excluded the press and public from last week’s meeting due to the ‘sensitive financial information’ that had come to light.

A unanimous conclusion was reached at the meeting, but the decision itself has not been revealed.

Now, councillors have asked the charity for more detail about its financial situation.

Chairman of the economic development board, Cllr Stephen Philpott, said: ‘The board decided to defer a decision on whether to grant a lease until further information had been received from Marvels and Meltdowns.’

The Charity Commission, which registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, says Marvels and Meltdowns has been examined, but that the charity is taking the correct action.

A spokeswoman for the Charity Commission said: ‘We are aware of financial issues at Marvels and Meltdowns.

‘The charity has done the right thing by reporting this incident to the commission in line with our guidance on reporting serious incidents.

‘We have assessed information provided by the trustees and are satisfied at this time that they are handling the matter responsibly and taking appropriate steps.’