A COMMUNITY hub which survived the threat of closure is looking forward to a Happier New Year - and its 150th anniversary.

The doors to Eccleshill Mechanics Institute are open wide again ready for 2018 and is back to stay says Terry Pearson who is Chairman of Eccleshill Community Association.

In July there were fears the historic building in Stone Hall Road could be forced into full-time closure when all of its paid staff were made redundant because of rising rents and reduced monetary support from Bradford Council but a new management board made up of volunteers came together to save it.

Mr Pearson says the Mechanics is starting to thrive again but will need the public's help to keep it going with more volunteers welcome. A new strategy to take the building into the future and keep it at the heart of the community running it as a community asset run charity.

A number of events have already been held at the Mechanics including a Christmas party and festive fair and a permanent fixture cafe opens daily from 9am to 1pm.

"Eccleshill Community Association Board members are taking the growth and development of the Mechanics’ Institute very seriously. They have combined ambitious ideas from the community with their own to develop an exciting mission and strategy for how the Community Centre will contribute to the improvement of all aspects of the community," said Mr Pearson adding it would not only secure the future of the building "for use by the good folks of Eccleshill whose ancestors contributed to it being built almost 150 years ago" but will make a significant social impact now and in the future for all.

Details of what is happening at the Mechanics and upcoming events can be found at Facebook.com/eccleshillmechanics

Plans are also being drawn up for a communication campaign to recruit more volunteers to help- run the Mechanics and support events there.

"Confidence and commitment are very high! The Board are looking forward very much to the Mechanics Institute 150th year and celebrating all that is Eccleshill.

"Anyone who wants to know more about the Mechanics and what is going on, can just pop in and have a natter with our regulars. The café is now open from nine till one each day serving breakfast and lunches at very competitive prices by our very own Master of the Rolls Mike De Greasley.

"This is what the Mechanics Institute is for; the Community, the good folk of Eccleshill and this Board will continue to make sure it stays that way," said Mr Pearson.