THE future of a historic visitor centre at a popular Darwen attraction is under threat.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said it has started to seek alternative ways to secure the future of Sunnyhurst Woods Visitor Centre after budget cuts forced council bosses to seek alternative ways to keep he centre open.

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Council bosses are now discussing the future with the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods, who are being asked if they would be willing to take over the reins voluntarily.

The building itself is more than 200-years-old and opened up as a visitor centre 36 years ago.

Hayley Kilpatrick, Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods chair, said the group will be trying to keep the centre open.

She said: “We do know that the council has had to make some significant cuts going forward.

“However, it has not been decided that the centre will close.

“We are hoping to work with the council to keep the centre open for everyone and soon as we know anything we will keep people updated via our website and Facebook page.”

A staff member at the centre has already been given notice of redundancy and will leave her post in December.

The centre opens from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm until 3.30pm.

Local councillors admitted the visitor centre, which has an upstairs gallery used as exhibition space by local artists and a children’s activity corner, had been ‘underused’ over the past few years.

Cllr Brian Taylor, leader of Darwen Town Council, said he did not want to see it close.

He said: “It’s a fine asset and I think closure would be going over the line for me.

“It’s not open very much anymore which is a shame and I do hope that the friends would consider taking it over.

“We need some consistent opening hours.”

The news comes as United Utilities announced a plan of up to £3million to stabilise the area where a landslide occurred in August.

Cllr Pete Hollings, borough council representative for Sunnyhurst, said “I think the centre is an untapped asset which can be made into a much better attraction.

“It would be great if the friends group can take it on. It is a fantastic platform for artists and people in Darwen can make it really positive.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for culture, leisure and young people, said: “The visitor’s centre is an important and much loved local facility.

“We are seeking alternative ways to secure the future of the centre. We have met with ward councillors and are also currently talking with the Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods who have shown an interest in the centre and discussions are ongoing.”

“We are hopeful for a positive outcome.”