MONEY from the sale of a threatened community centre in Garston is to be ploughed back into the area.
The Bishop of Liverpool said he did not have the authority to save Bankfield House.
But responding to a two-month sit-in staged by campaigning residents, the Right Reverend James Jones said proceeds from any eventual sale should be ploughed back into Garston.
Following a meeting with campaigners, Bishop Jones called for discussions about ways to save the site.
But he said he lacked the authority to order the Parochial Church Council, which manages the centre, to keep Bank-field open.
He said: "I recognise that the building is seriously dilapidated and cannot continue to house activities in its current condition.
"I therefore accept the trustees' decision to relocate current activities so that the building can close for reasons of safety and for consideration of its future.
"If it cannot be kept open, any proceeds should be kept exclusively for the benefit of the community, keeping the resources in and for the community of Garston, which has always been the church's objective."
Campaigners claim the people of Garston own the community centre, which was created as a memorial to the World War II dead in 1959 following a six-year fundraising effort by residents.
Groups using the centre, including a 60-strong children's drama club and a young people's gym, have been offered alternative premises at the city council-run Garston Urban Village Hall.
But they said they would have to pay more rent for less space.
Campaigner Lesley McGuffie said: "Bankfield House is not unsafe, but just needs some funding to eradicate some cosmetic repair work.
"This charity has been running for 46 years and we've never been in debt during all that time. We've raised £4,000 during the last four weeks alone.
"This centre is important as it offers something for teenagers in the area and helps combat problems like anti-social behaviour."
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