Lib Dems welcome Rothwell youth centre investment

12.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Feb 2008

Councillors in Rothwell have welcomed an injection of cash to enhance a popular local youth centre.

The Windmill Youth Centre in Rothwell is to receive a funding boost of more than £140,000 next year to improve its condition and facilities. Among the improvements to be carried out are improved disabled facilities, a new heating system, re-roofing and decoration works.

The Windmill Centre is housed in Rothwell's Mechanics Institute building, which was originally built in 1868 for the education of the people of town. The building has a cherished place in Rothwell's community history, even hosting talks from Charles Dickens on two occasions.

Cllr Don Wilson (Lib Dem, Rothwell) welcomed the plans:

"The Windmill Centre is used by young people from all over Rothwell and is a tremendously valuable local facility.

"We've recently had the lease extended to use the building as a youth centre for a further 75 years, so these works should help ensure it retains its place at the heart of Rothwell for a long time to come.

"Much of this work is sorely needed so I am delighted that the council has given the go-ahead to proceed.

"This ought to help attract more users to the centre, make it more accessible and ensure it remains in a good state of repair for future years."