A CAMPAIGN to reopen a community centre, closed due to health and safety concerns, is gathering growing support.

The William Harker Hall in Easington, east Cleveland, was shut down without warning after Coast and Country decided it would not be cost effective to carry out essential repairs.

And groups who used the vital community facility were angered when they were given just two hours to empty the building following the housing associations decision to close its doors.

However, the housing association has defended its decision maintaining they are liaising with residents to try and find a solution.

And now local MP, Tom Blenkinsop, has joined the campaign to get the centre reopened.

Mr Blenkinsop, who represents Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "I feel strongly that total closure should not be an option, as the hall is well used, especially by groups for local elderly people.

"There is only one other hall in the village, and this could have its own functions disrupted if it were to take on the William Harker hall events.

"The hall is central to the estate and the quality of life of estate residents. If locals were to have to use the other hall it would mean a long and hilly walk for elderly residents to get to and from, which would also involve having to cross a busy main road."

A spokesman for Coast and Country said the company would discuss any issues with the MP to clarify the situation.

He said: "We are committed to securing best value for money on behalf of our tenants. Having completed a detailed assessment, it has emerged that the extremely low level of usage does not justify the high cost of refurbishing the community centre to the standards we wish to offer in terms of safety and accessibility for users.

"There is a church hall in Easington, which, we understand, would be able to accommodate the small number of William Harker centre users. We will be liaising with the owners about the groups moving to the church hall, which, we believe, will offer better facilities."