AN ADULT learning centre that closed its doors could be saved by the old grammar school’s trustees.

The future of the Whalley centre, which is housed in the building that dates from the early 18th century, was under threat after Lancashire County Council confirmed it would not be renewing its lease on the property into November.

But now the trustees, which include Ribble Valley Borough Councillor Terry Hill, have decided to attempt to keep the centre open and attract new tenants.

Coun Hill said: “It’s the centre of the village and a fantastic resource for us to have in the area.

“It’s vital that this community centre is kept open for others to use and we intend on making that happen.

“The first six months is going to be the hardest because we have got to find the funds to pay the bills without our usual income.

“I really hope that providers and groups come forward soon and allow the residents of Whalley to access a range of services at the centre.”

Lancashire County Council said it would save £90,000 per year because of not renewing the lease for the Station Road Centre.

Whalley residents Abbie Tucker said: “It’s a great service to be in the village and I’m glad that the trustees are going to try and keep it going.

“The nursery is housed there which has been going for about 40 years and it would be a shame for it to lose its home.

“A lot of people have used the centre for years and I hope that it’s still providing a role in the community in years to come.”

More than 1,130 people signed up for courses at the centre from 2010/11 but that number dropped to 866 for 2012/13.

The county council said the centre was only used for 32 per cent of the year in 2010/11 and only for 18 per cent in 2012/13.

A council spokesman said that, out of the available 8,400 hours the centre could have been open for, there should have been more than 5,000 enrolments.