The councillor in charge of West Lancashire’s borough council leisure facilities has seen for himself how new life is being breathed into a former community resource centre in Skelmersdale.
Cllr David Sudworth was welcomed to the all-new Artz Centre in Hartland, Birch Green, by Mark Ashton. Mark’s not -for-profit Artz For All organisation took over the running of the old Birch Green Hall earlier this year after the council decided to give local community groups the chance to take over the day-to-day operations of the town’s community centres on a long-term lease.
Other buildings which have been transferred to community organisations include Ormskirk Civic Hall and Ashurst Meeting Room.
During his visit to the Artz Centre, Cllr Sudworth was told how the it has become a hive of artistic activity, with professional performances played out in front of packed audiences, and there are further plans in the pipeline to offer more activities to the area’s young people. Cllr Sudworth, cabinet member for leisure at West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “I was really impressed by what I saw at the Artz Centre. Mark told me that the number of young people using the centre has doubled since they started just a few months ago. The new external signage has recently been put up , the new photo studio is now operational and there are plans for new graphic design rooms."This is a great facility for the people of Birch Green, Skelmersdale and West Lancashire as a whole.
"The council made the right decision to hand the running of these centres to local community groups and organisations. Not only has it delivered savings for the taxpayer, but it has given groups like Artz their own base for the first time ever. It has given the facilities a new lease of life.
“I’m grateful to Mark for inviting me to the centre and I wish him and everyone at the Artz Centre every success.”
Mark, from Skelmersdale, said: “It was great to show Cllr Sudworth just how we have transformed the centre in such a short space of time. The young people and their families love it here, it has given them a real sense of ownership and that is very positive. There is a great vibe around the place at the minute, all students and staff are excited about the new shows. We are working with local schools, businesses and other voluntary and community groups to make the centre a success.”
The Artz Centre is holding a cabaret-style Michael Jackson Solo performance event at the centre on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28. Tickets are £5 each. For more information, visit http://www.artzcentre.co.uk/Attached photo shows Cllr Sudworth (left) with Mark Ashton, director at The Artz Centre in Hartland, Birch GreenPromoted by Graham Jones on behalf of WLCA , WLCA, 72C New Court Way, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 2YT.