A COMMUNITY centre bar that was closed after the new trustees discovered previous volunteers failed to comply with legal licensing requirements has been granted temporary opening hours.

Ferryhill Sports and Education Centre (FSEC), formerly the Ferryhill Community Hub, shut the social area after it came to light that former trustees had invalid licenses which lapsed in November 2013.

The former leisure centre was saved from closure in 2011 by Ferryhill Community Partnership and has since been taken over by a new line-up of trustees hoping to bring the facility back to life.

Speaking earlier this month, Laura Davies, trustee and partnership secretary, said: “When the new trustees rebranded the former leisure centre on July 1, we believed we had 28 days to legally update the premises licence details.

“However we found that the former trustees and personal license holders had invalid licences which lapsed November 2013, meaning they have been selling and supplying alcohol illegally.

“This has resulted in the temporary closure of the bar facilities until the premises licences are back in place.

“During the time of closure we are taking the opportunity to start the first round of refurbishment to the bar, so it will be freshly painted for the publics return.”

But since then the bar has been granted temporary opening hours, which are: 11am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday, and 11am to 10.30pm on Sunday. 

Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s consumer protection manager, said the new trustees had already submitted an application for a new license.

Adding: “A premises license ceases to have effect if the licence holder goes into liquidation, as is the case with the former owner of the Ferryhill Community Hub.

“Once this was explained to the current owners, they agreed to submit a new application which has already been received.

“The Licensing Act allows for venues to provide regulated entertainment and supply alcohol through Temporary Event Notices.

“The current occupiers of the venue have also submitted these notices.”

Mrs Davies added: “Anyone who needs further clarity can contact myself of facility manager Andrew Cockburn on 01740-654123.”