DISUSED and rundown retail units could be transformed into a new community centre for the people of Brunshaw.

The Brunshaw Action Group (BAG) have applied for planning permission to convert the units from 97 to 105 Brunshaw Avenue into the centre.

Calico Housing own the retail units and have agreed to lease them free of charge to the BAG for 15 years, providing they can be converted back to shops if the need arises in the future.

Dave Stephenson, from the BAG, said: “The plan is to provide a much-needed community resource facility, providing activities such as breakfast clubs, after school clubs, mother and toddler groups and a wide range of facilities for young people in the local community.”

The group have consulted local councillors who have backed the plans for a larger centre.

The group were set up in September 2000 with help from police to help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour, juvenile nuisance and crime, and have now outgrown their current smaller base.

Mr Stephenson said: “A newly refurbished centre would have the capacity to open its doors from 9am to 5pm.

“It would be offering sessions from mums and toddlers to senior citizens, young people’s activities to free training and advice.

“Brunshaw Action Group continue to grow. And the refurbishment of a community access centre with paid staffing would mean the world to Brunshaw “We need to do much more to fully meet the needs of our service users.

“And a facility such as this is vital for community groups like us to do the community they serve justice and provide people with means and facilities to begin to help themselves.”