A TODDLERS' playgroup which could have faced closure has been saved by councillors at the eleventh hour.

The playgroup, which used to meet at St Mary's Church, Haslingden, has been looking for a new home all summer and needed a decision before September 1.

Organisers' initial request to use Haslingden Public Hall every morning looked like being turned down. The main downstairs room which the playgroup wanted is used three times a week for a luncheon club.

Other rooms in the building which are vacant would not meet fire brigade and social services regulations for playgroups.

But a special meeting of the council's leisure sub-committee has thrashed out a compromise solution.

The playgroup is being allowed to use the main room on Monday and Friday mornings for the foreseeable future.

Sub-committee chairman Coun Lawrence Forshaw said: "We are pleased to have finally been able to help them. This is the solution which satisfies everyone concerned."

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