Villagers back bid to take over building

COMMUNITY volunteers in Lees could be a step closer to getting their own village hub after locals backed plans to take on the management of Mellor House.

Organised by the Lees Community Association, around 25 people attended a meeting to discuss plans to transform the now empty one-storey building that used to house council offices.

Over 700 survey leaflets were handed out by the association and, although not a massive response was received, the majority said that the building in Mellor Street should be retained for the community.

A working group of new volunteers is now being set up to help, with numbers swelling.

Chairman Raad Al-Hamdani said: “The feedback showed that people were enthusiastic about it and that was very pleasing.

“We’d really like to see additional people to help out and make sure the load is divided equally.

“People with a range of skills such as business or legal advice would be good but we need all the help we can get.”

Anne Fleming, from Oldham Council which owns the building, explained in detail what would be expected from the Lees association if it is going to take on the project.

Volunteers from the neighbouring Springhead Community Centre were also on hand at the meeting to give advice on how to make a success of such a take-over.

But there is still a way to go.

Members are appealing for helpers and are calling on anyone who may be able to give up a small amount of time to attend a meeting at Lees Library at 7pm on Wednesday.

For more information or to lend a hand contact Jenny on 0161-620-9098.