Fresh hope rising from Thornton Lodge centre ashes

Nov 24 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THORNTON Lodge residents have high hopes for the future even though their community centre was destroyed by fire.

The Thornton Lodge Community Centre on Brook Street was wrecked by the suspicious blaze in the early hours of Saturday, November 15.

Now Kirklees Council officials say they are looking at future development plans as a matter of urgency.

The news was welcomed by community youth leader Mumtaz Ali who said he hopes the council will now provide a facility to benefit all members of the community.

It is believed the fire started after someone set fire to a bin outside, but the flames spread inside causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage to the popular centre.

Mr Ali said: “There was meant to be some planned redevelopment work many years ago which we were able to get all the community, young and old, involved with.

“They were really enthusiastic, giving their own ideas about what could be done.

“I was concerned because we got told that the money was going elsewhere, we didn’t know why.

“But I think the whole community would welcome the council looking at it again. We do need a good resource.

“I hope the council gets in touch with the community and we can make progress finally.”