Community centre to re-open

A COMMUNITY centre which has been standing empty for three years at Warrington is about to re-open its doors.
The Hawthorn Centre at Blackbrook will again be available to the local community, thanks to a lot of hard work from a number of voluntary groups, local councillors and the borough council.
A variety of community and voluntary services will use it including Mencap outreach centre, nursery/playgroups, youth services, meals service, senior citizens’ services.
It will also be available for individuals to hire for special events and education classes for example.
Coun Bob Barr, the borough council’s executive member for planning, regeneration and housing said: “It is unfortunate that the Hawthorn Centre has been closed for so long. The council does not own the building but we have taken responsibility for protecting, insuring and maintaining it since February 2007.
“We have worked to find a way for the building to be brought back into community use and will continue to work closely with the new owners for the benefit of local people.”
The new operators are a consortium of charity groups led by The Community Church Warrington and including Mencap Warrington.
Church trustees spokesman Stuart Hodgkinson said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the Hawthorn Centre as a resource for the community.
“The re-opening of this valuable facility has been brought about by the goodwill of a large number of people who each have a vision and determination to help improve the lives of Warrington residents and communities.”
Groups or individuals who are interested in using the building can contact the Hawthorn Centre booking and information line on 07502 021062 or visit the website www.hawthorncentre.org.uk