New Leyland community association gets off the ground

Wade Hall Community Association was formed following the closure of the Leyland Project - a charity that had been operating for the last 25 years.

Project trustees made the closure decision after a number of unsuccessful grant applications and continuing difficulty in accessing new funding.

The association will be based at The Place community centre, Royal Avenue, on the Wade Hall estate, owned by the Progress Housing group.

Joan Musker, chairman, said: “It’s up and running. Progress Housing have told us we can use the building. We’re waiting to see about things such as liabilities and insurance before we can use it for groups. It’s just sorting things out, really.”

Joan, 56, who lives on the Wade Hall, was both a volunteer and employee during her time with the Project. She said two public meetings organised to help set up the new association were “well attended” and that folk were raring to go.

“The community are really keen for it to start back up again,” said Joan. “Quite a lot of the community got involved, quite a lot of volunteers. They’re looking forward to it.”

The association committee includes Joan; vice-chairman Bernadette Mayor; secretary John Caton; and treasurer Kate Bellingham. Joan said; “It’s a new beginning. At least now we know we’re able to use the building and that Progress want to support us in carrying on that work.”

Community activities such as children’s groups, drop-ins and the relaunch of the old folks’ lunch club are expected to be among the uses.