The decision to hand over management of a Burmtwood community building has been welcomed by a local councillor.
Staffordshire County Council will allow Burntwood Town Council to run the Old Mining College Centre, on Queen Street in Chasetown, on a 35- year lease from June 1.
Lichfield District Council had managed the venue since 1997 but has opted to end its lease seven years early as part of cost-cutting measures.
Councillor Steve Norman, Leader of the Labour Group at Lichfield District Council, said the area would benefit from a fresh pair of hands on the tiller – saying the new deal was the “best possible result for the residents of Burntwood”.
He explained: “For too many years now Lichfield District Council has failed to invest in this facility and when their dire financial problems came to light last year, they couldn’t wait to pull out.
“Labour councillors at Burntwood Town Council saw this as an opportunity to realise their ambition of developing better facilities for the whole of the community and, rather than the building staying in the grudging and reluctant hands of the Tory-controlled Lichfield District Council, this is proof of Labour’s commitment to the local community.
“I believe this is the best possible result for the residents of Burntwood. It’s not just me saying this – the County Council’s report confirms that having a permanent presence back in the building will ensure a more accessible facility for Burntwood residents.”
