A NEW group which has taken over a community centre has urged village residents to ‘step up’ and make the best use of it.

A deal has been struck to transfer the Blackrod Community Centre into community ownership from Bolton Council, which previously ran the bookings for the site.

Local residents have set up the Blackrod Sports and Community Centre Community Interest Company (CIC)to manage and maintain the centre and the football pitches on Greenbarn Way.

The council has also awarded the community interest company £80,000 from its Community Empowerment Fund, which will provide a new roof for the centre and allow some internal modifications to the building. The money will also be sued to recruit a centre development officer to design plans for the future of the facility.

Chris Essex-Crosby, chairman of the CIC, said: “As trustees, we are proud to take on the management of the Blackrod Sports and Community Centre.

“We are grateful for the confidence shown in us by Bolton Council and call upon the local community to step up with us to ensure that the facility plays a significant role in improving the health and wellbeing offer within the Blackrod area.”

The group consists of ward councillors, representatives from Blackrod Town Football Club and local residents.

Cllr Linda Thomas, deputy council leader, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work with the CIC to transfer this building into community ownership. We are confident that the new community interest company will develop new activities at the centre and increase use of the centre and sports facilities.”