The Blackrod Sports and Community Centre has been taken over by the community, as a meeting place for local groups and a place to play sport.
Local people have set up the Blackrod Sports & Community Centre CIC (community interest company) which has now taken over the community management and maintenance of Blackrod Community Centre and the football pitches on Greenbarn Way.
The group consists of local councillors, including Councillor Ann Cunliffe who has spearheaded the project as well as other ward councillors, representatives from Blackrod Town Football Club and local residents.
The deal, which involves the transfer of the building into community ownership has been arranged by Bolton Council, who previously ran the bookings for the centre.
The council has also awarded the community interest company £80,000 from its Community Empowerment Fund, which will provide a new roof for the centre and allow some internal modifications to the building, as well as funding a Centre Development Officer to develop plans for the future of the centre.
The community interest company aims to increase use of the centre and pitches by local community and sports groups and provide activities for all members of the Blackrod community.
Chris Essex-Crosby, Chair of Blackrod Sports and Community Centre CIC said: ““As trustees, we are proud to take on the management of the Blackrod Sports & Community Centre. We are grateful for the confidence shown in us by Bolton Council and call upon the local community to step up with us to ensure that the facility plays a significant role in improving the health and wellbeing offer within the Blackrod area.”
Councillor Linda Thomas, Deputy Leader of Bolton Council said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work with the CIC to transfer this building into community ownership. We are confident that the new community interest company will develop new activities at the centre and increase use of the centre and sports facilities.”
Anyone wanting to have a look or make a booking for the centre can do so by email at bsacc.bookings@gmail.com or telephone on 07935 907531.