A COMPLAINT that woodwork sessions at Bury Arts and Crafts Centre should not have been lopped off on health and safety grounds has been dismissed.

The Local Government Ombudsman's office will not pursue a claim of maladministration against Bury Council for its decision to stop sessions at the Broad Street centre.

The complaint came from former centre user Mr Lionel Cox (74), who said he was "disgusted" at the outcome.

Mr Cox, of The Woodlands, Brandlesholme, was one of five amateur woodwork enthusiasts who rented space at the centre.

Mr Cox argued that the health and safety issue had been used as a deliberate excuse to get rid of the unsupervised workshops. He added that, although the group had been told that an alternative venue would be sought, none had been found.

But investigator J. Osmont, of the Commission for Local Administration in England, said that the council had acted correctly and had no duty to accommodate the group.

He said: "From the information I have seen, the council took advice from qualified people as to the health and safety issues.

"I can sympathise that the loss of this facility is a great disappointment to you but, from the information that I have seen, the council does not have a duty to provide this."

Responding to the decision, Mr Cox said: "I am very disappointed and disgusted.

"I wrote sheets and sheets about our experiences but there was not one single comment made about any of the issues.

"I was promised an impartial investigation and don't believe that is what I have had. What I have had is just a refusal."

Head of strategic development for lifelong learning, Des Finn, said: "We regularly review our provision in light of new health and safety legislation, and must ensure we meet our duty of care."