CHURCHES and community groups in Bolton are celebrating after being awarded more than £300,000, creating three jobs and enabling vital refurbishments.

Halliwell community groups and the West Bolton Team of Churches are set receive a £361,908 Big Lottery Reaching Communities Building’s Grant, providing funding for a Community Development Worker and two part-time Peer Community Workers, to bring people together, promote and develop activities and overcome isolation.

The cash will also be used for refurbishments at St Paul’s Community Centre housed in a grade II listed Victorian School in Halliwell Road, built in 1847.

Rev Rodger Petch, team vicar in the West Bolton Team, who led the grant bid said: “We are delighted at this award from the Big Lottery Fund that recognises the potential of our community to improve the lives of those living locally.

“We will be creating a centre fit for the 21st Century with a new Mezzanine floor, full disabled access, modern computer facilities and space for many more activities to be delivered.

“We also thank Bolton Council for their initial investment to support our development and Community Futures Trust, our consultants, for their expertise in community consultation, business and project planning that has helped our community put down on paper what we wish to achieve.”

The Centre is a hub for local groups, and has been home to Halliwell Action For Work Alongside Youth (HAFWAY) and Halliwell Befriending Service (HBS) for the last four years.

The groups provide vital services for young and old within the community including activities, life skills and social events.

One HAFWAY member, said: “It’s great that the club got the money as the building needed a lot of TLC.

“Now we have the money the building can get the upgrade it urgently needs so the community and young people have another safe and warm environment to be in.

“The building will finally be suited to everyone’s needs as it will be buggy and wheelchair friendly.”

Local businessman and HBS trustees member, Graham Darcy, also expressed appreciation to the Big Lottery Fund and those who wrote letters of support, signed petitions and fundraised throughout the bid.

Refurbishment is hoped to begin in February - in the meantime many activities held at the building have re-located to sister building, St Paul’s Parish Centre.

Groups from Bolton School of Dance and Drama, who use the centre have also temporarily moved to an alternative venue on Chorley Road.

Jonny Wineberg, Founding Director of Community Futures Trust, said: “We are delighted to have helped secure only the third grant from the Reaching Communities Buildings programme in Greater Manchester, and the only one in Bolton.

“The community made its voice heard in the bid and we can only say how impressed we have been with the passion of local people and their determination to succeed."