Residents in Astley Bridge have called for the Barlow Park Pavilion to be put back into use as councillors prepare for a meeting on the building's future.
The building has stood mainly unused since early parts of this year.
The Bolton News understands that councillors plan to meet this month to discuss the future of the building.
Gary Milton, 56, who has lived in the area for over 10 years, said: "I’d like to see it returned to the community; it should have a purpose that the community can benefit from"
"I would like it to become something that children to old people can use."
Mr Milton added: "I am happy that the council are willing to do something about it; it is disappointing that it has stood for a long time empty. Something should have been done a lot sooner than it has."
A woman in her thirties expressed concerns over the pavilion’s future: "I wouldn’t like it to be turned into HMO’s or anything like that; this is a quiet residential area - everyone is familiar with everyone, I wouldn’t like any other people from other areas to come in"
Gale Law, who works with disabled children, said: "I hope it becomes something for SEN children.
"It’s not nice to see in the area, something that’s just been left there and nothing being done with it."
Councillor Hilary Fairclough told The Bolton News last year that a meeting will take place.
Providing an update last week, she added: "The meeting has not taken place yet; it is due later this month, however it will only be a meeting to establish that no council department has any further use for the building and look at ways forward, knowing that there is some interest in the building for a number of things.
"My personal view is that it should be reopened for community use.
"It would be wonderful if it was open 15 hours a day, seven days a week, covering community services and leisure activities from cradle to grave.
"Of course, I am not naïve and realise that this would be a massive task and have some serious funding issues, but I believe that it is something the people of Astley Bridge would welcome.
"When Barlow Park was a park that the council maintained well, it had tennis courts, bowling greens, pitch and putt, and the pavilion was a thriving building offering refreshments with a magnificent view over the park.
"I know this was a long time ago, and in the intervening years the park has deteriorated and all the 'extras' have been destroyed and grassed over its so now we are left with a large park but no facilities.
"For many years there were youth activities held at the pavilion indeed, Bolton Lads and Girls club were commissioned to provide them but for several reasons this was ended some time ago.
"I do not believe this building will be used for housing, and I can assure you I would fight this if it was suggested."
Share