NO fewer than 77 community groups in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale could be forced to find a new home unless they can afford to take over the running of their bases.

Earlier this year county council bosses confirmed they would withdraw their services from several locations across East Lancashire.

The future of nine centres – six in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale – are now under the microscope.

County officials say they are committed to ensuring the groups are rehoused, as part of the process, but question marks have been raised about how community groups can afford to take on such costs.

Withdrawing from the sites would save County Hall around £330,000 in running and caretaking costs, and having to meet a £200,000 repairs bill.

And, if the centres were sold, it would recoup around £1million for the council’s coffers.

Coun Charlie Briggs, who represents the Burnley Central West division on the County Council and is the borough council leader, has been involved in talks over the future of groups at Gannow Youth Centre.

He said: “Community groups are not that rich and unless we have arrangements where the county offer these buildings at a peppercorn rent, while they pay bills like the electricity and water, they might not be able to afford it.”

Coun Briggs and Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle have a meeting scheduled with county councillor Marcus Perks, the cabinet member for young people’s services, over the issue on August 14.

The other affected centres include Belmont in Burnley, Earby, Barrowford and Crawshawbooth and Whitewell Bottom in Rossendale.

More than 25 groups use Earby, 20-plus are based at Crawshawbooth and Whitewell Bottom has a dozen and a pre-school.

County treasurer Gill Kilpatrick, said in a report: “Throughout the process, the priority has been to ensure community facilities remain in the areas concerned.”