Board has big plans for satellite centre

A board of trustees has been appointed to secure the future of a youth and community facility in Greenfield.

The move comes almost a year after Oldham Council withdrew provision of youth services from the centre near Churchill Playing Fields.

Since then dedicated volunteers have formed Saddleworth Sports, Youth and Community Association (SSYCA), which has been awarded charitable status.

Richard Bartlett is the new chairman, backed by vice-chairman Tony Burke — both members of The Rotary Club of Saddleworth — with Mike Rooke as secretary. The initiative is being supported by several Saddleworth organisations.

Mr Bartlett said: “There has been lot of hard work but it’s been well worth the effort and we genuinely believe we can create something special.

“There’s such potential — I’m confident that we can transform this building into a vibrant community centre serving the needs of the Saddleworth area. The Satellite Centre was originally designed as a youth centre and this initiative will still be focused on our young people.”

Anyone interested in supporting the venture should contact Mike Rooke on 01457-810 666 or email: comms@ggra.co.uk