Alcohol and late-night events have been banned at a popular community centre in Oldham as new rules are introduced with 'immediate effect'.

The Sholver and Moorside Community Centre, on Sholver Lane, is run by a community team of local residents, volunteers and professionals.

The group ensures the centre is "welcoming" and accessible for all, operating under the mission to "improve community spirit and cohesion", according to its website.

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The centre's public calendar shows it is packed all year round with meet-ups and events to benefit residents, from art and guitar sessions to exercise, gymnastics, choir groups and more.

Every Tuesday morning, it is home to a 'coffee and social' for the community and there are a number of regular entries in the diary for senior groups, dance troops and First Choice Homes Oldham's 'bread and butter thing'. 

However, the secretary of the Sholver and Moorside Community Team, Joyce Ward, announced in a post on Facebook that there will be several new rules introduced at the centre.

This includes a total ban on consuming alcohol as well as putting a stop to evening private party bookings.

Meanwhile, children's parties have a new curfew of 7pm "at the latest".

Ms Ward wrote: "After listening to what residents and users have said, Sholver and Moorside Community Team have made the decision, with immediate effect, not to accept any evening private party bookings at Sholver and Moorside Community Centre and that any afternoon children's parties must vacate the centre by 7pm at the latest."

She also said the 'no alcohol policy' has been rolled out with "immediate effect" and means no one in the centre will be allowed to consume alcohol on the premises whatsoever.

The post concluded: "These decisions have been made to ensure that the centre is a family-friendly building and provides a safe environment for all our users."

Discussing the new rules, residents on social media voiced their support for the decisions made as one wrote: "Totally agree!" while another added: "Perfectly said".

One man said: "Glad to hear it.

"Moorside Community Choir is so grateful for the use of the small hall on a Tuesday evening and it's lovely to see the dance troupe thriving in the big hall."

Another resident also said: "As long as you don't need the income from the private evening party bookings, I think it's a good idea to close at 7pm at the latest."

However, one person is concerned about the survival of the centre, writing that it "needs the cash" as it "relies on grants" and income generated by loaning out its facilities.

The man continued: "They have absolutely made the right decision but this means there won't be much money in the kitty should something need repairing or replacing.

"Let's hope the community get behind them and support their fundraising events now." 

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.