A community centre roof has been left badly damaged following heavy rainfall.

And it will cost £15k to repair the roof properly.

CEO of The Hub in Westhoughton Anna-Marie Watters, says that when the community centre first opened the roof had minor damage, but the weather last week has made it worse.

She said: “As a result of the rain it blew the lights in the corridor.

“We just thought the issue was with the lights.

“We didn’t realise it was because of water was leaking through the flat roof.

“All the lights have gone in the corridor and it’s coming in more places down that corridor.”

The Bolton News:

She says that the damage is so bad that if it happened during the winter months, they would not be able to open because it would be in the dark.

She added: “We come in everyday to massive puddles of water and no lights.

“We are overwhelmed with some of the things people have said.

Temporary work is currently being carried out to repair the roof until enough money can be raised.

And whilst Anna says this is massively appreciated, she says they need a long-term solution.

The Bolton News:

She said: “We have over 3,000 people who use the centre so we can’t shut.

“So, we really need the roof replacing.

“It doesn’t just affect us, it affects the community and the businesses that come in and rent the space.

“It’s really difficult when we have worked so hard to get where we are.

“We are just a small team of volunteers that keep this place running.”

The group host a lot of free events in the community, as well as rent the space for people to use in the community.

Anna also says that she has not been able to get any Government funding or from the council.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We fully understand how important The Hub is to Westhoughton residents and to the charities and organisations that use the complex.

“These groups lease the buildings from the council, with the majority paying a peppercorn rent.

“Unfortunately, given the age of the buildings, structural issues like this are inevitable. 

“Officers, along with the Executive Cabinet Member, will be visiting the site to assess the condition of the roof before a decision is made on the best way to proceed.”

Anna is in the process of setting a GoFundMe page up but has asked people to get in touch with the Hub if they are able to help in any way.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.