Darnhill Community Centre closed

Date published: 24/09/2006

Heywood councillors are up in arms at what they say is the closure of Darnhill Community Centre by the Liberal Democrat run Rochdale Council. The centre's doors remain closed ahead of the outcome of the current Borough wide review on the co-location/relocation of Library Services, a decision that has been deferred until at least November

Local Councillors, Labour's Colin Lambert, Jacqui Beswick and Alan McCarthy have questioned Rochdale Education Officers but as yet have not received a definitive answer as to when and if Darnhill Community Centre will reopen.

Councillor Alan McCarthy said: "After only 5 months in power the Liberal Democrat run Rochdale Council seem to have closed Darnhill Community Centre. The Lib Dems have singled out Darnhill.

"David Clayton the Lib Dem Portfolio Holder who is responsible for Community Centres, and who only last week announced the closure of Heywood Community School, appears to be looking to send Heywood into the abyss."

A Council spokesman explained: "Darnhill Community Centre has been closed due to health and safety concerns following water damage to joists under the floor. We have been attempting to find alternative venues for all groups using the centre, and all but one have been accommodated elsewhere."