Fears allayed over the future of public library and community centre
STUART PIKE
RESIDENTS of a Hyndburn town have been assured they will NOT be left without a library or community centre after lockdown, following the demise of a non-profit social enterprise.
Voluntary group Mercer House 1842 Ltd set up a community library at the Arthur Wilson Centre, on Pickup Street, Clayton-leMoors three years ago, but the council has now been notified of its dissolution.
Founded a decade ago, the group also oversaw extensive refurbishment of Mercer House, but several of its directors have stood down over the past 12 months.
Clayton resident Lynda Corris wrote to the Observer with her concerns.
She said: “Are the people of Clayton-le-Moors aware that the community centre along with Mercer House have been closed down? Many groups use the centre, from tots to the retired.
“Also, after the closure of the library opposite, this was transferred to this building. Clayton will have no public meeting place. Will we be the only one in Hyndburn?
“The volunteers running the centre have done a great job. So much money was spent on Mercer House, it must be really sad for all the people involved with it.”
Earlier this month Hyndburn’s Labour group posted on Facebook: “Clayton and Altham councillors have been made aware of residents’ concerns about the pending ‘closures’ of Mercer House and the Arthur Wilson Centre.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to all the volunteers who have helped to run both community buildings over the years.
“However, with the announcement that Mercer 1842 is to be dissolved, the buildings will be handed back to the council to decide the future direction of both buildings.
“On a positive note, we are working with the various different organisations in Clayton and surrounding areas to work towards a feasible solution that incorporates the community engagement aims of both buildings. which will benefit the Clayton community.”
Hyndburn council (HBC) leader and Clayton-le-Moors county councillor Miles Parkinson said HBC, Hyndburn Leisure Trust and other interested bodies are looking at the future of Mercer House, the Arthur
Wilson Centre and Clayton Civic Hall, adding that they will be holding discussions with LCC cabinet member Peter Buckley to ensure there is still a library in the town.
He said it could potentially return across the road to its previous home at the Civic Hall, adding that it should be resolved by the end of summer.
He added: “1842 did a lot of extremely good work in Clayton. People move on and you decide the time has come and cannot give any more energy to it. They are seeking to hand it back to the council.
“A big thank you to Mercer House and all the volunteers who volunteered to do the community centre and did all the things that improved the area.
“Both those buildings are coming back to the council in far better condition. Mercer House has been refitted, the Arthur Wilson Centre has a new kitchen and a new roof.
“I don’t think the library is under threat. It’s just we have to have a discussion. Everything that was previously within Clayton-leMoors, the plan is to retain all that.
“Hyndburn council needs to invest about £50,000 in the civic hall to make sure it is fit for purpose, which will be done.”
County Councillor Peter Buckley, LCC’s cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We are aware there may be plans to close the independent community library at the Arthur Wilson Centre.
“The library is actually run by Mercer House 1842
Ltd, and we understand that they are currently assessing the viability of the future of the community library.”
SEE Your Views on p8.