A COMMUNITY club whose future was under threat after changes in council funding has been saved thanks to the generosity of a housing association.

When town hall chiefs agreed to stop funding the room rental at Old Trafford Community Centre for the 20-year-old Chit-Chat Club, which plays a vital role in combating social isolation as well as providing an opportunity for elderly people to meet, socialise and enjoy various games and activities together, organisers feared they worst.

They hadn’t counted on Manchester and District Housing Association - many of whose residents attended the weekly Shrewsbury Street club - who stepped in and paid the £1,320 annual bill.

The Association’s Lorna Powell, who arranged the deal out of her own community budget, told SUM: “We do a lot of work with younger people, and in partnerships with other organisations to deliver a better quality of life for our customers.

“But despite funding various initiatives for the over 55s, we were not currently running any regular activities for this group. Many of our tenants attend the Chit-Chat Club, and we were delighted to be able to ensure that they could continue to do so.”

She added: “The new Manchester and District HA regeneration officer will now work with members of Old Trafford Neighbourhood Management team to allow the Chit Chat club to formally constitute itself as an organisation, which will then allow them to access grant funding that will ensure their long term future.

“We hope to work with the club to enable them to extend their activities to provide even better services and more enjoyment for their members.”

Last Thursday Lorna presented a cheque for the full amount to members fo the club.