A LOCAL group has been given the go-ahead to take on a community centre and library building which had been in danger of closing due to council cuts.

Kirklees Council’s cabinet has officially agreed to the asset transfer of Birstall Community Centre and Library to a group which has been leasing the centre since April this year.

Birstall Community Holdings Ltd was initially granted a six-month lease, but has now been given confirmation that the ownership of the building will be handed over from October.

Resident Ian Blamires, who was involved in setting up the community interest company along with local councillors, said of the decision: “We are delighted that we have arrived at this point after almost two years.

“We are already making a success of the community centre and have increased its usage since taking on the lease in April.

“We are now looking forward to more and more local people making use of the centre.”

The Birstall community centre will also have a covenant that restricts it to community use with up to 30 per cent commercial use.

It will also continue to be used as a polling station during elections.

In addition, the Council also agreed to transfer Honley Community Centre in Honley to a similar community group.

Councillor Graham Turner, the Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to successfully transfer these buildings to Birstall Community Holdings Ltd and Netherton Community Centre Ltd and that they will go on being of benefit to the local community.

“Knowing that there are people willing to step in to take over these buildings and that they will still be at the heart of the community is great news.”

In 2015 the Council announced plans to close the centre but offered the opportunity for community groups to apply for an asset transfer. A final decision saw the library saved, and it will continue to be run by the Council after the freehold of the wider building is transferred.

The group will hold a public meeting on Thursday, September 7, from 7.30pm at the centre.