THE opening date for the new Tottington Centre and Community Library has been revealed.

Last month, Bury Council confirmed they had agreed to lease Tottington Library, which was one of ten closed across the borough, to the Friends of Tottington Library group.

Volunteers have spent the past few weeks working to get the building, which will now go by the name Tottington Centre and Community Library, ready for reopening on March 14.

The site has been given a new lick of paint and the group say they expect to finally sign the lease on the centre this week.

To celebrate, they plan on holding a soft opening on Monday to give members of the public to a glimpse at the new facilities.

Following a makeover, a number of rooms have been available for hire at the centre, with classes already scheduled to take place including yoga, karate and knit and natter.

The building will contain a library with more than 700 books and will offer a books on wheels service to residents.

A large conference and training room, called the Bronte Room, has also been refurbished.

The group, which has now amassed more than 50 volunteers, have been told it will cost them more than £22,000 a year to run the centre.

So far, they have two fundraising events planned, including a quiz night and a fashion show in April.

Cllr Yvonne Wright said: “It’s the beginning of a big challenging adventure. It’s very exciting.

“Not only have we managed to retain what we had but we will be building on it. We will be looking for funding in the future to improve the building.”

The official opening will take place at the centre on Wednesday, March 14 from 2pm.

For more information, including details of room hire at the centre email, info@tottingtonlibrary.co.uk.

Residents are able to become a member at the centre for £2.50.