A Westhoughton community centre is at risk unless it raises thousands towards important improvements to its site on the Washacre Estate.

The John Holt Community Centre is a lifeline for more than 100 families since its takeover six months ago by Westhoughton Assist Service.

Started in 2020, by Janet Colley, the Community Interest Company serves as a social shop where these families are able to stock up for a small sum every week. Its site on the Washacre Estate, off Ivy Road, is used by a number of other organisations like Age UK and Bolton NHS for support services of their own.

All of this is at risk unless Westhoughton Assist Service raises thousands towards important improvements to the walls and to the windows.

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Ms Colley said: "We are bringing the old building back to life in the last six months but it is an old building. It has had some paint but it is now in need of some work. 

"The windows are rotting and some of them are smashed. We are raising £10,000 on GoFundMe as a start as we have had some quotes and it is around £50,000."

Ms Colley started the service from her home during the coronavirus crisis then from The Hub on the other side of the town.

Now at the John Holt Community Centre she works with the team of volunteers like Volunteer Coordinator Lesley Monks.

(Image: Newsquest)

Ms Monks said: "We are trying weekends for those who are unable to come in from Monday to Friday because they are working. We are trying to address anyone who is in crisis. 

"We have all of the essentials, some fresh food, some frozen food, tinned items, sanitary products and washing-up products."

The money spent on the service is from another shop, the pre-loved shop, as well as from room rental by other organisations, but a lot of it is dependent on donations.

There is next to no money available for maintenance.

(Image: Newsquest)

Ms Colley said: "The community are absolutely amazing. If you put a post on social media saying we are short on long-life milk then two little old ladies come in their car with a big bag of long-life milk and you think 'My God'. 

"It is crazy but there is such a sense of community."

Ms Colley is appealing for contributions to a GoFundMe or other contributions from borough businesses.

For information on the GoFundMe go to gofundme.com/f/70-year-old-community-centre-needs-our-help/.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.