Vandal-hit pub given new lease of life

10:20pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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AN old vandal-hit pub has been given a new lease of life.

The former Spinners Arms, in Brownlow Way, Halliwell, has been transformed into The Learners Arms Community Centre by BoltonWISE.

Tracey Horner, who co-ordinates activities for 14 to 19-year-olds for the employment charity, said: "It's a venue to get the community together and give them somewhere to go, get people off the streets.

"It used to be an old rundown pub that attracted trouble so people are really pleased about what we've done."

The centre includes a "World Cafe", selling Fairtrade snacks and drinks, and hair and beauty salon, Stylewise.

It provides learning and training opportunities, chances to socialise, get their hair done, be pampered and a range of other activities.

But it also gives people the chance to learn new skills. They can do work experience, volunteer, learn skills in the cafe or salon and even take computer courses.

The centre also refers people to other sources of learning and training such as Learndirect, Bolton Community College and other education establishments.

The charity aims to help people get jobs and keep them and WISE stands for Work Initiatives leading to Sustainable Employment.

Now organisers say they want to expand the centre's work by creating more schemes, such as mothers-and-toddler groups and evening opening.

Links are also being made with schools so that pupils can benefit from the facilities.

Everyone is welcome at the centre and Ms Horner said: "We have got all sorts of different things going on, not just for young people.

"It's somewhere people can come but a lot of them don't know it's here and is for them.

"They can come here and feel it is their centre."

The Learners Arms is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, with The World Cafe open from 8am until 2.30pm.

It is looking to raise more funds and get more people involved in the scheme.

To find out more, contact Tracey Horner on (01204) 537634.