A COMMUNITY which was devastated by the closure of its only bank a few months ago has created something positive out of its loss by re-opening the building as a centre for information and learning.

The former Barclays branch in Willington High Street, which shut down last April under a nationwide programme of cuts, is starting a new life as a resource centre for the town's community partnership.

Bishop Auckland College is playing a major role in developing the £200,000 project, which will also create a base for police.

The partnership stepped in to buy the old bank after failing to persuade Barclays to keep it open.

It was able to buy the building for £9,500, even though it had been entered into an auction with a £20,000 reserve price.

Partnership chairman Councillor Brian Myers, who made the initial approach to Barclays, said: "There was a lot of bad feeling towards Barclays over the closure of the branch, but they have done a great deal to restore goodwill.

"The support we have had for the project shows that our backers have faith in Willington.

"We asked people what they wanted in the town and this was something they said they needed - a centre in the heart of the community where they have access to college courses and a wide range of information and advice services, as well as a meeting room.

"We have a £200,000 building which will provide a valuable resource for many years to come."

The centre will open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, until 5pm on Fridays and noon on Saturdays.

It will be run by a co-ordinator and an administrator, who will both be appointed over the next few weeks.

Bishop Auckland College will operate on the first floor, which can be reached by a new lift, and will offer computer courses including basic skills, web design and desk-top publishing, as well as other types of classes.

Willington's MP Hilary Armstrong, the Government Chief Whip, will perform an opening ceremony next Friday, at 2.30pm.