THE sudden closure of a building used by community groups in Bury has been described as "tragic."

The Old Court House, in Tenterden Street, shut its doors suddenly today.

Bury Involvement Group (BIG) in Mental Health, whose dual recovery group uses the premises each Wednesday, were only notified of the closure last Friday.

A post on the BIG in Mental Health Facebook page reads: "This has come out of the blue and we are deeply sorry to those who attend."

Keeley Bell, a trustee and volunteer coordinator with the charity, described the closure as "tragic" but said she hoped the group would find a new venue soon.

A message on the One Recovery Bury Facebook page stated that the premises would be permanently closed as of Wednesday, July 10, with the majority of One Recovery services being moved to Humphrey House.

The post read: "This decision has been taken to ensure the recovery element of our service is more closely aligned with treatment. Going forward we will be working to develop more community-based services, giving people the support they need closer to home. We look forward to sharing plans with service users as they develop.

"Please note that as a result of this move there will be no change to group times and the Recovery Hub Coordinator will be available as per previous arrangements at the ORB.

"Mutual aid groups in the evening will be supported to find alternative venues and we will share the timetable with clients once updated."

One Recovery Bury allowed BIG in Mental Health to have use of the Old Court House free of charge each Wednesday between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The dual recovery group supports people aged 18 and over who have dual diagnosis of mental health and addiction, with about 10 people attending each week.

Frances Halligan, chairwoman of BIG in Mental Health, said: “Sadly the building is closing. We are very grateful to One Recovery Bury for allowing us to run the group there. We are in the process of looking for another venue where we can hold the group on the same evening."

She added: "The group is a lifeline to those still struggling with their mental health and addiction and those too who are in recovery. They can share their experiences of having a dual diagnosis and provide mutual support and learn coping strategies. Most importantly the group provides hope.

"As a charity it is becoming more and more difficult to acquire funding. We really sincerely appreciate donations of any amount, large or small, in order to sustain BIG so that we can provide free group support to anybody age 18 or over in Bury and the surrounding areas."