A COUNCIL has delayed the closure of a community room after a councillor asked for a chance to give it a new lease of life.

Dovedale Community Room in Sunnybrow is currently being used two nights a week for bingo, and due to its low usage Durham County Council planned to close it at the end of May.

But Greater Willington Town councillor Matthew Todd called for it to remain open and is asking for a new committee to be given a chance to make it thriving community hub once again.

In response Durham County Council has delayed the closure and said it will work with Councillor Todd.

The centre costs around £1,500-a-year to run, and Coun Todd said for such a small cost it seemed unfair to close it.

The community room was opened on Valentine’s Day in 1976 and has been used for many activities over the years.

Currently around 15 elderly residents use it for bingo twice a week.

Marina Sewell, who has run the sessions for the past four years, said: “It’s closure would be disappointing, it is very important to those who come here and for some it is the only chance they have to get out and mix with other people.”

Coun Todd said: “We understand it can’t go on as it has, but closure seems to be a very drastic and permanent solution.

“We want a chance to form a committee to look at how we make this community room thrive again through running a variety of clubs and activities for all members of the community as well as keeping the current bingo going.”

Willington County Councillor Joe Buckham agreed and said the centre could be made financially viable.

Gordon Elliott, head of partnerships and community engagement at Durham County Council, said: “We have discussed different options for the building but, following feedback from those currently using the centre, it was initially agreed that the venue would close from the end of this month.

“However, following further contact from the local town councillor we are now looking at another possibility which could see the centre remain open, and we will delay the planned closure so that this new proposal can be explored.”