RESIDENTS in an area of Nelson are being urged to start using their community centre, or face the possibility of losing it.

Concerns have been raised over the future of Hodge House Community Centre, in Regent Street, and now a local councillor is looking to set up a permanent residents association in the building.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, who represents the Bradley ward, is fearful the centre could fall prey to vandalism or even be shut if it isn’t used regularly.

He said: “There was a tenants association based in there years ago, but they have gone now.

“Various groups have been using the community centre since then but we’re trying to get somebody, such as a tenants or residents association, to have a permanent home there.

“It is such a nice building and is in a great setting on the ward, I would appeal to people to use it on a regular basis.”

Despite having no permanent group based there the centre still holds activities such as luncheon clubs and is a venue for regular PACT meetings between residents and neighbourhood police.

Coun Iqbal said: “There are some activities there but not as much as we want.

“We want to become a beehive for the community where people can drop in and meet each other and talk to each other.

“With all the cuts from the Government it is possible that somebody could decided to close it completely and that would be a huge loss.

“So hopefully we can find a group to set up there and prevent residents from losing it.”

The centre has a lounge and a main hall as well as kitchen and toilet facilities.