A FORMER library in Great Lever has been given a new lease of life as a community centre.

The library was officially handed over to Great Lever Community Association last week after committee members proved they were capable of looking after the premises themselves.

The handover is the first of its kind in the borough with 'people power' taking over a former council-run facility.

A committee has been formed to take over the running of the building after winning a fight to save Great Lever Library from closure as part of Bolton Council's multi-million pound cutbacks.

The association's secretary Gillian Bretherton described the official handover as a proud moment for everyone involved.

She said: "It is a beautiful building, it would have been a great shame if it had closed."

The committee has submitted a £140,000 bid to the National Lottery to help fund repairs to the building and for toilets.

Gillian explained: "We now have to be completely self-sufficient. We have got our first year costs covered but need more money in the bank.

"We want to get the community room used as much as possible and we would like to hear from anyone who would like to rent the venue."

Anyone who can offer the committee help such as donating goods - particularly cleaning equipment, or would like to hire out the community room they can contact Gillian Bretherton on Bolton 364879, the community centre on Bolton 522568 or the assistant secretary on Bolton 363069.

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