A VOLUNTARY group due to take over a Chester-le-Street community centre says it will remain a resource for residents.

Some people in the Chester West part of the town feared that Bullion Hall, in Bullion Lane, might be closed.

But the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS), which has taken over the hall, said its use as a community centre would continue.

The hall has been mothballed while the CVS raises the cash to have it refurbished.

It has received £225,000 from the National Lottery's charities board and £100,000 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, but needs an extra £100,000 to finish the job.

CVS coordinator Belinda Lowis said: "We are looking for the rest of the money to refurbish the volunteer and community resource centre.

"Then the hall will be available for the same use to the people of Chester West.

"We are going to remove a stage in the hall to make way for a second partial floor for office accommodation for the CVS and the voluntary sector.

"It will be similar to the offices at the Volunteer Bureau in Clarence Terrace."

Work will not be resumed on the refurbishment until the CVS can raise the £100,000.