AFTER years of controversy and doubt about its future the old Radcliffe Town Hall finally opened its doors on Monday to a new lease of life.

That was when the first five residents moved into the revamped building - all young and vulnerable people in need of a home.

The tenants, aged 16 to 25, were selected by the Bury Young People's Housing Link, a registered charity providing accommodation, advice and support for young homeless people.

It worked in conjunction with the North British Housing Association, which bought the derelict building from Bury Council for just £1.

Mr Carl Kerfoot, 25, was one of the first residents to move in and he was delighted with what he found.

"I'm so excited and I've been looking forward to it for weeks. This has really picked me up, because I've had a rough 12 months."

Previously, he had slept rough on friend's floors before being accepted at the housing link's Walmersley Road, Bury, hostel.

There he underwent an intensive process of support, learned to identify his needs, and developed skills vital to independent living.

"I've got a roof over my head at last and I'm really happy about that. This is excellent and the housing link have really helped me a lot." He said he never expected he would be living in a town hall and was looking forward to the summer when he could sunbathe on the landscaped central lawn.

Another new resident, who preferred not to be named, summed up his feelings for his new home in one word: "Brilliant!"

The 21-year-old unemployed man said he was eager to personalise his new home with ornaments and pictures and he was relieved that, after 18 months living in Bury, he has returned to his Radcliffe roots and is closer to family and friends.

The self-contained flats - four ground-floor and six first-floor - are double-glazed and gas central heated, and comprise a bedroom, a lounge/dining room, a kitchen, and a bathroom with shower.

Beds and bedding, carpets and curtains, furniture, domestic appliances, and starter parks including basic cooking utensils have all been supplied.

The familiar facade of the building has, much to the relief of the community, survived intact, but behind the L-shaped frontage it is totally unrecognisable.

Besides the ten flats, there is a circular patio, a lawn, parking space, and flower-beds.

There is also a communal area which will be used for discussion groups, and for teaching living skills and cooking.

Tenants have their own front doors - a departure from the usual communal and impersonal entrances.

The transformation of the former civic building was carried out by contractors Roland Bardsley

Local residents were invited to look around the building and meet staff and residents on Monday, the day before the official opening ceremony.

"We will do our best to deal with any concerns and allay any fears," said housing services manager Mrs Norma Holt. "We want people to know what we do, and it's nice to meet our neighbours because we try hard to establish a good relationship with local people."

Among those chatting over a cuppa and a plate of biscuits in the communal area - where rates bills were once paid - was Mrs Winifred Hennessey (61) of Hampson Street.

She said: "It's good to see something is being done in Radcliffe at last. The building looks lovely; I just hope they appreciate what they've got and look after it."

"I came down today out of curiosity," said Miss Mary Winter (28) of Mather Street.

"I'd heard all sorts of rumours during the last year - that it was going to be a home for the disabled, a refuge for battered women, and even a drugs rehabilitation unit."

"It looks tons better now and the clock's even working for the first time in years!"

Mr Martin Chappell, who is the housing link project manager, said: "I think it's natural there was some apprehension but, judging by what visitors have said so far, they were glad of the opportunity to come and meet us."

Sharing the enthusiasm at the official opening ceremony on Tuesday was the chairman of Radcliffe Renewal Advisory Committee, Councillor Barry Briggs.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. It makes you feel good about Radcliffe. This is a positive step forward and we need people to recognise it and give credit where it's due."

Our picture shows the new-look Radcliffe Town Hall building viewed from Mather Street.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.