Voluntary groups in Kirklees have benefited from a community centre shutdown.

They have been given free furniture, stationery and equipment that was no longer needed following the closure of the Deighton Centre.

Kirklees Council closed the facility in March and has since invited community and voluntary groups to come forward if they could make use of the unwanted items and could provide an opportunity to reuse them.

The idea was welcomed by Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Resources, who said: “Kirklees Council have given away equipment that could not be used within other council buildings following the closure of the Deighton Centre.

The Deighton Centre
The Deighton Centre

“As we face the huge budget cuts from central government we are less able to help the voluntary sector financially.

“Many voluntary organisations have to face the challenge of finding funds from an ever decreasing funding stream, so the least we can do is to use some of our surplus assets to help the voluntary sector and support the vital work they do in their communities. We’re glad that many local organisations were able to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Sports clubs including Hade Edge Football Club, Scout groups scouts and other community groups have since been given chairs, drawers, shelving, fixtures and fittings and stationery previously used in the building.

Clr Turner added: “We had already distributed items to our schools and other council offices but still had a surplus of equipment.

“Offering it to local organisations meant it could be put to good use in the local community, rather than it gathering dust, or being disposed of completely. It will reduce the amount of furniture going into landfill, as well as reducing CO2.”

Audrey Dalton, Hade Edge Football Club’ junior secretary, expressed her appreciation by saying: “We are very grateful for the furniture we have received and it will be of great benefit to our club.”