Residents are upset after the council announced the closure of the Howley community house, a vital hub for local groups and activities
Warrington: The Dolan and Kirk Community House, once known as the Nora Street Community House, has shut down. The council says it had no choice but to close it, which has left many residents feeling upset.
This community house has been around since 1977 and was a hub for various groups. At the time of its closure, at least eight groups were still using the space, including church groups and even a painting club.
People loved coming together for bingo nights and afternoon teas. It was a place where folks could gather, raise money for charities, and just enjoy each other’s company.
When the news broke, users were shocked. They worry about the loneliness this closure will bring, especially for the elderly who relied on it as a social spot.
Margaret Dolan, who helped establish the house, expressed how devastated everyone is. She pointed out that many elderly folks had nowhere else to go.
The council mentioned they’re reviewing their buildings to ensure they’re used effectively. They claim the community house was under-utilized and costly to maintain, which led to this tough decision.
While they engaged with some user groups to help them find new spaces, the closure still feels like a big loss for the community.
