THREE years of hard work could come to a happy conclusion today if Kirklees Council approves the transfer of a community centre in Birstall to community ownership.

Howden Clough Community Association submitted an application in January to take over the running of Howden Clough Community Centre, on Leeds Road, from the authority.

Councillor Graham Turner, portfolio holder for asset strategy, resources and Creative Kirklees (Arts) at the Council, is set to approve the association proposal at a 4pm Cabinet meeting.

In a report to the Cabinet, Cllr Turner recommended the asset transfer subject to “restrictive covenants”. Members are also requested to authorise the transfer.

Cllr Turner states that the transfer is “either freehold or leasehold with restrictive covenants for community use with an exception for up to 30 per cent commercial use in line with previous asset transfers. This would support the association’s business case which outlines how they intend to increase their community use to ensure continued sustainability of the centre”.

Howden Clough Community Association chairman John Logan, who heads up a committee of seven trustees, said it was the “culmination” of a lot of work, and added: “It is something we have been working on for about three years.

“It is a very exciting time. Lots of us have been involved for a long time and had concerns where it would end up.

“At least the future of the centre is in the hands of the local community now.”

Mr Logan said one of the first things the association would do after assuming ownership would be to apply for a Lottery grant to upgrade the toilets at the centre, including an improved disabled facility.

He added: “We are now in the position to apply to sponsors and grant-funding organisations to bring it up to date and make it more attractive to local community organisations to use and for people from the local community to come in and use it for their own activities.

“We are very much looking forward to that.”

Mr Logan, who praised local councillors and a support organisation called Locality, said the centre was currently home to groups including tai chi, taekwondo, dog training, amateur dramatics, and activity sessions for people aged over 50.

He added that the 30 per cent commercial use would be created by using one of the centre’s rooms for “hotdesking for people who are undertaking a community enterprise”.