A NEW centre in Bolton has opened its doors to learning and leisure.

A council house in Beechcroft Avenue on the Long Lane Estate, Darcy Lever, has been converted by Bolton Council's housing department to provide a centre where people can learn on their own doorstep.

Two courses are already up and running: First Aid for Families on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am, and Basic Computing on Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm. Other courses and activities are planned.

People can enrole for a registration fee of £3.50 per term or £8 per year, which entitles them to attend as many courses as they like. The first aid course also offers a free creche for children under five.

A student beautician is also offering cost price beauty treatments to people, who will only pay for the cosmetics and toiletries used.

Successful

The centre is the initiative of the Community Education Service, Bolton housing department and the Long Lane Residents' Association, whose office will be based there.

A community development worker with the Community Education Service, Jo Campbell, has been working with residents so they can have their say on how the centre develops.

Cllr Don Eastwood, chairman of the education and arts committee said: "This is third centre to open. The others at New Lane, Hall I'th' Wood and De Lacey, Breightmet have been very successful.

"The registration fee is low and entitles people to take part in a good range of activities. We are able to do this because of European funding and we hope as many people as possible will take advantage." For more information on the courses on offer at Beechcroft Centre call 364695.

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