A NEW community centre and multi-faith prayer room could be given the go-ahead to open — in a building at the gateway of a cemetery.

Proposals to transform East Lodge, an old building at the entrance to Heaton Cemetery in Gilnow Road, will be discussed today by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

Applicants Aqsa Community Learning says the centre will be run by volunteers and provide space for local children to do homework and play games, a library, a meeting room for community groups and an office. The prayer room would be available to people of all faiths.

It would be open between 7am and 7.30pm in the winter, and between 5am and 11pm in the summer.

The planning committee has been urged to approve the scheme by planning officers, despite concern from local residents.

In a council report, they say: “East Lodge is an established building which is not currently being put to use.

“The building will be brought back to life by the proposed use and will be managed by the local community, maintaining the existing quality of the property.”

Several residents in Gilnow Road are objecting to the proposals.

One, a Mr Hampshire, who lives less than 60 metres away, said the proposed opening hours were too long.

He said: “This is a residential area in which there are a number of young families and also many working people who I’m sure would not appreciate the disturbance.”

Another, John Taberner, agreed and also said the existing car park would not cope with extra vehicles.

Ian and Helen McHugh said they supported a community facility but wanted assurances that everyone in the area would be able to use it safely, given the Lodge’s location on a double bend.