Community centre at pub gets go-ahead
9:16am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News
A DERELICT pub, which has been targeted by arsonists, will be transformed into a community centre to combat anti-social behaviour.
Plans have been approved to turn the former Prince Rupert pub in Holmeswood Road, Great Lever, into a nursery and community facility, with a prayer hall for the Islamic teaching of children.
More than 50 people signed a petition in favour of the plans, which have been put forward by the Great Lever Education and Welfare Trust, to go ahead.
But some neighbours raised concerns about noise from the prayer room.
Other residents said similar community facilities exist within the area but councillors from Bolton Council’s planning committee felt bringing the building back into use would be beneficial and avoid it falling into disrepair.
The Trust said in a statement: “With all communities facing the strain of cutbacks it is believed such voluntary and communityfunded initiatives are vital in ensuring support both directly to the community and indirectly to the local public service sector.
“The proposal will bring back into use premises that have been empty with instances of anti-social behaviour, including graffiti, vandalism, wanton damage and fly-tipping of rubbish and household furniture.”
The nursery, employing three part-time teachers, will care for 30 youngsters in the morning and 30 during an afternoon session.
It is hoped the community will use the facility.
The prayer hall will be used from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays to teach Arabic classes, the basics of prayer and articles of faith to children aged six to 16.
Parking for 10 cars, plus one disabled space, will be provided.
The application follows pleas from year five pupils at Lever Edge Primary Academy, in Lever Edge Lane, who wanted the building to be transformed into a recycling centre or community facility.
