LEADING borough councillors have been touring Warrington's threatened community centres as part of final talks before the fate of the buildings is decided.

A top-level team of four - council leader Clr Mike Hughes, Clr Maureen Banner, executive member for community services, acting chief executive Bernice Law and director of environment Alan Stephenson - visited the Causeway, Latchford, Poole Park and Capesthorne community centres yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, to speak to users before a final decision is made at the end of this month.

And they took the Guardian along for the ride.

Clr Hughes said the visits proved that the council was determined to listen and consult with users, but that the centres had to be judged on a rational basis.

Speaking to users at Causeway Community Centre, he said: "It is like having a much-loved family dog that is terminally ill. You have got to make a decision on whether to carry on paying the vet's bills or to put it down."

At Causeway was a day care group for mentally challenged people trying to be integrated back into the community following a spell in hospital. Paul Dalby, who works with them, said: "We are working here despite the surroundings.

"But people come from across town and if it closes we must be accommodated in a similar place in the town centre."

Clr Banner said that the users deserved better and that the groups which use the centre could be fitted in elsewhere.

The visit to Latchford Community Centre coincided with its only use throughout the week - an afternoon tea for the elderly. The centre will cost £10,000 to run over the coming year.

Jackie Hulstrom, who organises the afternoon teas along with Ian Sutcliffe and Rose Redpath, said that it was a vital community service.

She added: "We started this group ourselves to help the old people - they need somewhere to go."

Mr Stephenson said that his officers were determined to find alternative space for the group, should the centre close.

The tour then moved on to Poole Park, although there were no groups there. The main users have been an after-school club from Long Lane, but they will soon use the school instead.

The council group then visited Capesthorne Community Centre before going to Culcheth Youth Base last night - and they will be going to Burtonwood Youth Base later this month.

The final report into the future of the centres will be delivered to the council's executive on June 30.