I WAS astounded to learn this week that the Community Support and development Centre (CSDC) based at Mere Hall, Halliwell, is closing at the end of this month, the reason being is “lack of further available funding”.

Not only that, but this has not been made common knowledge by the powers that be at the Town Hall, one wonders why. First this northern area of Bolton loses three libraries, and now this!

This small but effective organisation was, I believe, first begun as part of the Halliwell City Challenge in the early ‘90s and was based in Rushey Fold Lane, moving to its current location a short time later.

Due to the way it was funded and subsidised it provided insurmountable assistance to individuals and community groups alike in numerous ways, from low-cost printing for wedding invitations etc, to newsletters, pamphlets and letterheads for voluntarily run organisations such as local history societies and community groups. The staff, Lois and Joanne, helped many groups of varying kinds and backgrounds, and also individuals with guidance, advice and information for job searches, completion of job applications and CVs. And I know of at least two amateur sports groups who would not now be in existence were it not for the guidance and advice they received from this organisation.

I will be saddened at its loss to the community.

I am not one for “conspiracy theories” but if there was not a similar centre now opening at the old All Saints Church near Wolfenden Street, and the fact that the CSDC was set up for use by the whole community, and not specifically for certain aspects of certain communities, I am sure funding would have been found to keep this open for some time yet.

In my opinion, the local council has once again committed a huge faux-pas in not allowing this to remain where it is and continue with the great work and assistance it has provided over the years.

But then again, when did the council last consider what was best for the community as a whole?

Trevor Lester Farnham Close Halliwell