INVITATIONS are open to take over a former library building.

Wigan Council is asking individuals, clubs, groups and organisations to register their interest in taking over the Atherton Centre on York Street through a community asset transfer.

This process would involve the transfer of land, buildings or structures owned by a public body to community groups via a lease agreement.

The group which took over then become responsible for running and maintaining the building.

The deadline for interested parties to register is 5pm on Tuesday, February 5.

Councillor Nazia Rehman, cabinet member for resources, finance and transformation at the council, said: “We want to work imaginatively with local communities to look at alternative and innovative ways of providing some of our community based services and making use of our buildings and assets.

“We know that the community in Atherton are keen to develop new community facilities.

"We also recognise that this is a big building that will need considerable investment, but we never underestimate that we have community groups that take on big challenges and succeed.

“The Deal (Wigan Council's community scheme) is all about working in partnership with local people to improve our borough and a community asset transfer brings together the skills and knowledge of local people and the assets the council can offer.

“We will be reviewing all options that are put forward for the Atherton Centre.”

Existing and potential new operators will be considered by the local authority.

To register an expression of interest or for more information contact 01942 486909, email clm@wigan.gov.uk or write to the following address:

Corporate Contracts and Assets,

Wigan Council, PO Box 100, Wigan, WN1 3DS

For more information about a community asset transfer click here.