A DUNTOCHER community centre and library will be given a new lease of life after they were officially saved from closure.

Glenhead Community Centre was one of seven community facilities under review as part of steps to address significant financial challenges faced by the West Dunbartonshire Council.

Last week, the Clydebank Post exclusively revealed an agreement had been reached between the local authority and nearby trust the Antonine Sports Centre for the latter to take over the Glenhead on a 33-year lease.

All that was left was the partnership to be rubber-stamped and at a meeting of the Council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development (IRED) committee on Thursday the deal was agreed upon.

The new lease will see the provision of existing services maintained as well as new services introduced within the Duntocher community by refurbishing Glenhead and creating a community nursery, low-cost healthy café and indoor activity play centre.

The library service will continue to be provided at the much-loved community hub.

The new tenant will work with the current users to accommodate them either within the facility or in alternative facilities.

Councillor David McBride, convener of IRED, said: “I welcome this move to secure Glenhead and I thank the Antonine Sports Centre for their efforts to ensure it continues to be available for the community of Duntocher.

“This is an excellent outcome for all involved and will ensure that between Glenhead Community Centre and the Antonine Sports Centre, a range of different activities and services will continue to be available in the area.

“Many will remember that the reason this is happening is because of the severe financial pressure West Dunbartonshire Council is under and so I am extremely pleased with this result which has allowed us to retain services and save jobs.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill added: “I very much welcome this decision and thank the Antonine Sports Centre for coming forward to ensure that the people of Duntocher continue to benefit from the Glenhead Community Centre.

“This shows the level of commitment the Trust has in the community, and I was absolutely delighted to agree to this new lease.”