Row over defunct centre’s £40,000

12:07pm Saturday 5th July 2008

A ROW has broken out over tens of thousands of pounds which are lying in the bank account of a defunct youth centre.

Members of Westhoughton Town Council claim the Westhoughton youth drop-in centre still had around £40,000 in funds when it closed.

The centre, in Bolton Road, shut its doors in May, 2006, after the town council withdrew its annual funding.

Now, councillors are calling for the cash to be given to the council so it can be invested in youth projects for the town.

At a recent town council meeting, Cllr Jim Gilfillan said: "Can I challenge Cllr (David) Wilkinson to consult with the town on what he intends to spend the £40,000 of public money he and his cronies are sitting on.

"I want to know where the £40,000 is, what you are going to do with it, and what authority you have over it."

Cllr Arthur Price added: "I can think of several places in Westhoughton that could benefit from it, like the Miller's Nook disabled riding school."

Cllr Wilkinson, who was on the management committee of the centre, says the amount is closer to £30,000.

He resigned from the town council in 2007 and represents the town on Bolton Council.

After the town council meeting, Cllr Wilkinson said: "The insinuation that I am using the money for some purpose is not correct.

"The accounts are available and the remaining members of the management committee will be transferring the funds over to Bolton Council to spend on employing a youth worker in the town.

"It isn't the town council's money - it came from charities and lottery bids.

"We were hopeful we would be able to continue and re-establish the project for young people in Westhoughton because of the work it did.

"However, that has not been proven to be practical because of the consistent harassment, threats, intimidation and bullying which has taken place by Westhoughton Town Council."