A "NEGLECTED" Great Harwood community centre is to undergo urgent repairs after Hyndburn Council pledged £50,000 for the project.

An inspection was carried out to assess the state of Bank Mill House senior citizens' centre, in Church Street.

Among other things, it was found that the council-owned building, which is also used for activities including tai chi classes, council meetings and a mother and toddlers group, needed a new roof, doors and windows.

Great Harwood councillor Susan Shorrock said: "It is extremely well-used by everyone in the community but it has been neglected and something needs to be done to put that right."

At a meeting of the full council the Overton ward councillor called on the council leader, Coun Peter Britcliffe, to put some money into the building.

He promised that he would find the funding to carry out the essential repair work needed.

Speaking after the meeting Coun Britcliffe said: "We will be able to invest in Bank Mill House. Funding in the region of £50,000 will be made available for new doors and windows, and for the building to be re-roofed.

"This is a massive investment and is an example of the council's commitment to Great Harwood.

"It is a very well-used resource in that community and I think it is important that it is brought up to scratch and I am delighted that we have been able to set aside this money."

The senior citizens' centre was built in 1974 on the site of the former Bank Mill the first power mill in Great Harwood, which was closed when cotton manufacture came to an end in the 1960s..