A MUCH-loved activity park is to close at the end of the year due to insufficient funding.

Burrs Activity Centre based in Burrs Park, Bury, will close its doors on December 31 as a result of 'lack of investment and growing operational costs.'

The centre, which hosts a range of outdoor activities, has been run by Burrs Activity Centre Limited on behalf of Bury Council for the last 20 years.

Chairman of Burrs Activity Centre Limited, John Astley, said: "We have the only activity centre in the North West that is self-supported.

"The decision was not taken lightly, but due to a lack of council investment, we have not had the funds to make repairs to the building and the upkeep of the building.

"It is only down to my staff that we have been able to keep going for the last two years - trying to talk to the council has fallen on deaf ears.

"The main thing is we have been there for 20 years, we are not for profit. We have put thousands of children through over the years."

Bury Times:

Burrs Activity Centre

Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “Burrs Activity Centre Limited has operated from Green Flag Burrs Country Park for 20 years, providing an outdoor pursuits facility to the local community and beyond. The ‘not for profit’ company has recently taken the decision to close and will do so at the end of this year.  Any bookings already made with the centre will be honoured. 

“The council would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the staff, volunteers and directors of Burrs Activity Centre Ltd for all their hard work, dedication and commitment over the last 20 years and wish them well for the future. 

“Previously an historic mill, Burrs covers an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside and has much to offer, including one of only two Caravan Club sites in the whole of Lancashire and the recently opened Burrs railway halt, an extension of the East Lancs heritage railway. 

“In line with Burrs Strategy, adopted in 2015, a review will now take place of how the activity centre may support the park in realising its full potential and become a 21st century ‘destination park’ attracting and sustaining more local and regional visitors. 

“The review will be undertaken by the Friends of Burrs, the Burrs Strategic Development Group and Bury Council, all of whom are fully committed to making the most of Burrs, retaining an outdoor pursuits offer within the park, and creating a sustainable facility fit for the future.”