FEARS around the future of Leigh’s community centre and a “vital” social club have been raised after residents claim it was “run without any staff”.

Disappointed residents claimed the “over 60s social club”, held at the community centre, was left without any staff or volunteers on Wednesday.

It comes after the Tory-led Leigh Town Council, which runs the community centre, was besieged with protesters following rumours staff had suspended and the centre was facing closure.

One resident, Teresa Doyle, claims it was as a “direct result of staff being suspended”, however Bernard Arscott, town council chairman, insisted volunteers were unwell or unable to attend.

Ms Doyle said: “It was a sad day at the community centre as the Over 60s lunch and talk was run without staff and volunteers. It is a wonderful benefit to the community and a lifeline for many. It gives people the chance to meet people, enjoy some company and learn new things.

“It was directly due to the staff being suspended a few weeks back.

“I think the community centre is the best thing to ever happen to the town. It is the centre for everyone, young and old.”

The Over 60s Social Club was launched by the council back in 2018 to help combat social isolation and loneliness for some of our elderly residents.

It is the latest in a long line of debacles since the Tories gained control of the town council after winning a series of uncontested seats at the 2023 local elections.

Mr Arscott said: “I was pleased to meet with many at the over 60s club at the Leigh Community Centre, but I am disappointed to hear the comments that have been made as this certainly doesn’t feel like the majority of views of the people I spoke to yesterday at the event.

“Unfortunately, it was short staffed, as we have a reduced number of staff in the office, and whilst I appreciate the club works with a number of volunteers, they are volunteers who give their time freely, so unfortunately yesterday, my understanding is one was away and another unwell and unable to attend.”