A TOWN council looks set to take on the management of a community centre after it was saved from the axe by a charity two years ago.

The Barrington Centre in Ferndown suddenly closed its doors to the public in January 2017 after its operating charity became mired in financial difficulties.

However, the now-defunct East Dorset District Council, which then owned the building, immediately entered negotiations to take it on from the Ferndown Community Association charity.

A year later, in January 2018, it was confirmed that the centre’s future was safe for a decade after its lease was transferred to the Prama Foundation.

At that time, it was said that local community outreach charity PramaLIFE would manage the facility until 2028.

But last week, officials at Ferndown Town Council said PramaLIFE has approached the authority about the community centre.

An official statement was released on Friday, which reads: “No one can deny the significant contribution the Prama Foundation have made to the Barrington Centre since they saved it from closure in 2017, setting up PramaLIFE in the process.

“But new ventures beckon for the successful charity and, following an approach from Prama, Ferndown Town Council has made a ‘minded to’ decision to enter into negotiations to take over the running of this important community facility.”

Steve Robinson, the chief executive of charity Prama, said: “We believe that this is a good time to hand over the reins.

“We’re at the time when both the redevelopment plans and financial investment are about to take place, allowing the final details to be agreed by the new leaseholders.

“The many Prama clubs and activities in Ferndown will continue to run and we are looking forward to a close working partnership in the future.”

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Julie Robinson, said: “The town council values this building’s importance to the community and will explore all avenues available, working with Prama, for the future of the Barrington Centre.”

A full report will be considered by Ferndown Town Council later in the summer.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit http://barringtoncentre.co.uk