RESIDENTS and schoolchildren will benefit from a £150,000 computer centre which will go on-line at Haslingden Library on July 5.

The new information technology centre has been financed by the Action for Haslingden Partnership in association with Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire County Council.

The project provides 12 personal computers in the library in Deardengate which will provide local people with free access to a range of information technology services, including the college's own network, CD-Roms and the Internet.

Brian Cowen, centre co-ordinator, said: "All the access to the equipment, which is state-of-the-art, will be free and the college will be hosting courses on how to get the best from the technology. I hope the centre will become a permanent fixture as it will certainly improve education facilities for schoolchildren and training for adults which ultimately should boost employment prospects.

"It is a very valuable facility for the people of Haslingden and we are grateful to the authorities who have financed it."

It is expected more than 500 people will make regular use of the centre, including at least 200 on training or education programmes. Tutors of Accrington and Rossendale College will hold courses and specially-trained library staff will be on hand at all times to assist members of the public.

The Action for Haslingden Partnership manages the single regeneration budget money which was awarded to Haslingden three years ago.

The partnership secured £10.9m from the Government for the five-year programme.

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