A VOLUNTARY group has been disbanded after ten years of sterling work in the community.

But residents will not lose out when the plug is pulled on the Chesham Fold Community Project.

For the move has been made in the hope of ensuring future improvements to the quality of life on the estate under one banner: Chesham Fold Tenants' and Residents' Association.

Mr Keith Rothwell, secretary of Chesham Fold Community Project, admitted that the community could only sustain one voluntary group and it was thought better to merge under the title of the tenants' and residents' association.

He explained : "It had become obvious in recent years that the number of volunteers willing to be involved in organising activities and raising funds was insufficient to sustain more than one voluntary organisation in the area.

"Funding bodies are also reluctant to provide aid where there is more than one group in an area serving broadly similar functions."

The management committee of the Chesham Fold Community Project reluctantly agreed to dissolve their group at a meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Rothwell said: "This decision was made provided the future of the Chesham Fold Tenants' and Residents' Association, who share the same premises in Chesham Fold Road, could be safeguarded and that some of the work of the project could be continued.

"It is with much sadness that the dissolution of the community project had to be accepted.

"But the Chesham Fold Tenants' and Residents' Association has fulfilled its promise to amend its constitution and adopt the objectives of the community project that are not included already."

A celebration of the project's successes, and a thank you to its supporters and helpers, is being held in the Community Centre tomorrow afternoon from 2 pm.

Bury Mayor, Councillor Bill Johnson, one of the driving forces behind the project when it was set up, is due to attend.

Ironically, the project was instrumental in establishing the tenants' and residents' association.

Other achievements include: setting up a savings club; became a partner in the highly successful pilot of the Family Learning Project; hosted several 'Gateways to Learning' courses; provided meeting facilities for various groups such as mums and tots, young people, and a weekly socialising group for older people.