BURY'S Mosses Centre is seeking to become a registered charity in order to survive.

The centre, which is used by community groups, was shortlisted for closure as a means of reducing the £178,000 shortfall in Bury Council's community education services budget.

But it was granted a stay of execution last June when bosses allowed it 12 months to find alternative funding.

Now its management board has decided to explore the possibility of gaining charity status to ensure it can continue into the new millennium.

Mr Gordon Hubert, chairman of its interim management group, said: "Since June we have been meeting to discuss ways of replacing Bury Council funding.

"It has transpired that if we go independent we can get access to many more grants and charity funding."

By becoming a registered charity the centre would gain more protection and more opportunities to flourish.

Mr Hubert added that a working partnership with the council will mean £40,000 of funding will be provided so that a new director of the Mosses Association and a financial officer can be appointed.

The Mosses was the borough's first purpose-built community centre and will be 26 years old in September. It is used by approximately 800 members and more than 30 community groups.

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