A KEY community hub in Latchford has been offered a lifeline thanks to a major Government scheme.

St Margaret’s Community Partnership was awarded £15,300 after successfully applying to the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage (CRF), set up to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Andy Carter, conservative MP for Warrington South, was delighted to hear the news and how the money will protect a vital part of the area’s heritage and jobs.

The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

More than £67 million is being shared out among 433 successful applicants across England, including historical areas, buildings, monuments, museums, archives and places of worship.

Michelle Hayes, centre coordinator for St Margaret’s Latchford’s Community Hub said: "St Margaret’s has been at the heart of our community for more than 80 years, serving the parish of Christ Church, Latchford.

"It was brought into community ownership in 1993 and has served the community since then as a community centre.

"We are proud that our community throughout this time has provided the residents of Latchford with a venue for education, leisure and community development.

"Covid-19 has, for the first time in our 30 years of work, caused us to close our doors, however we have continued to support our residents through our work with a great team of volunteers.

"We now look forward to once again delivering Covid-safe services to our community from our centre."

Andy Carter added: "St Margaret’s plays a big role within the Latchford community and I am thrilled this money will help them through the coronavirus period, which has been a difficult time for many community-based centres across the country.

"The community hub - supporting predominately Latchford residents, provides everything from ballroom dancing to a popular community cafe during normal times.

"I met with local councillors Karen and Hans Mundry and Michelle Wright to discuss how the funding would be spent and their plans for the future of the site.

"As we get through this period, we need places like St Margaret’s to continue their tremendous work for the good of the community and I know this will be a welcome boost for the area."