Church plan for former betting shop

ALL bets will be off at an Oldham shop if a planning application for a change of use is passed.

The former bookmaker’s office in Eldon Precinct, off Ashton Road, will become the Breakthrough Evangelical Ministry under plans being considered in the next few weeks.

The congregation of around 40 people currently meets at St Margaret’s Church hall in Chapel Road, Hollinwood. The Pastor, the Rev Jeremy Majek, said that if the move goes ahead, the new church will be youth oriented.

He added: “We are a charismatic, Pentecostal church which uses the Bible, and we appeal to people from all communities.

“We want to invite young people in and encourage them in and learn an instrument — guitar, drums or key board.

“They can learn music and listen to music, and we will give them a change of focus.”

The church, which began its services in September, 2008, holds regular Sunday worship.

A drop-in coffee shop open to anyone is also planned for the new centre.