GROUPS which support Manchester's gay and lesbian community are celebrating after their centre's future was guaranteed.

Voluntary organisations based in the council-owned building on Sidney Street feared it could be turned over to a property developer.

The centre is in a poor state of repair and rumours circulated that it would close down by the end of the year - putting dozens of services under threat.

A campaign was mounted, and Lib Dem councillor Marc Ramsbottom has vowed to raise the issue at the next full council meeting in October.

But Manchester council has moved to reassure users that the building's future is safe.

Coun Mary Murphy said: "We are reviewing our services but we are actually looking to extend them across the city.

Sidney Street

"Sidney Street will remain - there is no way we would close the centre.

"This is a case of opposition councillors making political mischief."

Centre campaigner Sam Rowe, 20, said: "We've received a letter from the council reassuring us the centre will stay open, so we are relieved.

"We thought the building was being neglected with a view to closing it. But the council says it will meet with users to discuss tackling the problems."

The centre has been saved just weeks after a highly successful Pride festival. Last month's Big Weekend, with its centrepiece carnival parade, drew thousands of visitors into the city centre.