Cherished Cookstown Community Centre announces closure

A CHERISHED community hub in Cookstown has confirmed that it is with ‘deep sadness and regret’ that the centre will close in September.

Over the years, Cookstown Community Centre has hosted a wide-range of community based and charity events including market days, community fun days, live music, and boxing tournaments which were hosted by Cookstown Boxing Club.

Most notably, it has served as a hub for Mid Ulster Pride, which is now preparing to celebrate its fifth year ahead of the closure of the centre.

In a statement posted on social media this week, a spokesperson for the centre said, “Despite our efforts, we have been unable to recruit enough volunteers to maintain the core number needed to abide by our Constitution.

“Upon discussion with the landlord, he accepted that the situation had become untenable and accepted our six months’ notice to quit our lease.

“We will of course honour all booked dates up until the agreed date of closure.

“We would like to take this opportunity, to thank everyone who supported us in our endeavour to open the centre for all to use. We enjoyed breathing new life into those old walls and welcoming many varied groups to use the wonderful facilities.

“However it is sadly no longer viable for us to remain open. Many thanks to everyone who came through our doors.”

Local councillor, John McNamee said he was disappointed at the announcement and said that he intends to look into the matter to see if anything can be done to save the centre.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald he said, “Since the opening of Cookstown Community Centre it has proven to be a valuable asset to many groups and organisations throughout the community.

“I would like to think that there is a possibility that things can be turned around and the volunteers in the centre can receive the help they need in order to save this essential hub of our community.”