A COMMUNITY centre that has reopened after being gutted by fire is facing a financial crisis, because of a lack of interest from residents.

Stanley Community Centre, in Tyne Road, Stanley, suffered about £750,000 of damage in a blaze in March last year.

It re-opened at the start of April after an extensive refurbishment. But many of the groups that once made it a thriving community centre have since found new venues for their meetings.

Tommy Miller, association secretary, said: "It was devastating. All the groups who came had to be knocked off. Without anywhere to meet, a lot of them disbanded.

"Even though the centre is open again, we are losing money because we haven't got enough groups back in.

"The insurance paid for most of the repairs, but we have had to pay for redecorating the downstairs and that will run to thousands of pounds."

Some of the most popular groups, such as sequence dancing and the camera club, found temporary homes and have now come back to the centre. But the upset caused by the fire has seen membership numbers dwindle.

"The orchestra is down to about five members now," said Mr Miller. "If these groups don't get more people in, they will just fold."

The revamped centre contains all the facilities it used to offer. There are nine rooms including an arts room, engineering room, dance floors and a kitchen.

Clubs and societies that use the centre offer a wide range of hobbies, including sewing, knitting, dancing, choir singing and war games.

For further details on the full programme of events, telephone (01207) 233512.