A CHARITY has retained control of a community centre, resolving uncertainties surrounding its future.

Warrington Borough Council had attempted to take over the running of Padgate Youth and Community Centre for the beginning of this month.

Padgate Youth and Community Association, the charity that has operated the centre for 44 years, would have been made redundant had the move gone ahead.

But following lengthy discussions with the council, the Station Road South community centre will remain in its control.

A statement posted by Padgate Youth and Community Centre on Facebook said: “After further negotiations with Warrington Borough Council, the management committee have agreed to continue running the centre for the foreseeable future.”

In July, Warrington Borough Council moved to take over the running of a number of community centres across the town.

But the attempted takeover of Padgate Youth and Community Centre left its staff ‘extremely annoyed, frustrated and saddened’.

The Warrington Guardian understands that the charity will now pay gas and electric bills previously charged to the council.

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and communities, said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the management committee of Padgate Youth and Community Centre for their sterling work.

“Padgate Youth and Community Centre, along with all our council-run centres, continue to deliver valuable wellbeing and community initiatives.

“I’m immensely pleased that the community centre has taken up the offer of a lease.

“This will provide stability and commitment to the community.

“Our community centres are more important than ever, especially with the continuing austerity this government is imposing on councils like ours.”