COMMUNITY groups say they are facing a bleak future following the decision to close Winsford Civic Hall.

Drama and arts groups have been using the building for years, and say the controversial move will effectively leave them homeless.

Jenny Sanderson, who chairs the Vale Royal Juniors drama group which meets at the facility, said: 'No one has told us what will happen to groups like ours when the civic hall closes.

'There are all sorts of things going on here and so many different groups depend on this place - we're being kept in the dark.

'The council keeps talking about this new leisure building that will replace the civic hall, but there has been absolutely no mention of a drama venue or how it will cater for groups like ours.

'It's very worrying and we need to know more. This group has been going for 20 years and we've got about 40 kids from Winsford in our group - this could leave us homeless.'

Vale Royal Borough Council is replacing the civic hall, along with the Dingle Centre and Winsford Sports Complex, with a £7.5m all in-one facility at The Drumber.

Councillors say the civic hall and Dingle Centre will be sold off and the swimming baths will be knocked down, but have played down fears that some community groups could be squeezed out.

The borough's lead councillor for leisure, John Grimshaw, said: 'Nobody will be left out in the cold - all groups will be catered for.

'The feedback we've had from most drama groups is that the hall is pretty useless as a venue - they say it lacks backstage facilities.

'The three buildings being replaced will remain operational until the new facility is ready.

'We will be going to public consultation to see what people think it should include and hopefully work should start in December.'