Cookstown community centre saved from closure

A COMMUNITY centre has been saved from closure thanks to a newly-formed committee stepping in to take charge.

The reversal comes after an initial announcement in March, where the Cookstown facility’s closure was lamented due to financial constraints.

However, in a recent social media post, the community centre announced, “Cookstown Community Centre can now announce that the doors will not be closing come September!

“A group have come forward to take over the good work and a new committee will be formed to try to maintain most, if not all, service users! Updates will follow!”

Local councillor, John McNamee expressed his support for the initiative, emphasising the importance of the centre to the local community.

“This is great news,” he stated. “I hope that all organisations and groups who have used the community centre can continue to make use of and benefit from it.”

The centre has previously served as a venue for many events and groups within community, including Mid Ulster Pride.

Chair of Mid Ulster Pride, Jake Turkington, said, “We thrilled by the news that Cookstown Community Centre will remain open, and that it will continue to be a key part of bringing our community together.”