Campaign for £150k launched at centre

A campaign has been launched to raise £150,000 to modernise a popular community centre in Hednesford which is in desperate need of a makeover.

The Pye Green Community Centre in Bradbury Lane is in need of attention after 30 years of general wear and tear. It is more than 12 months since the venue's owners Hednesford Town Council unveiled ambitious plans for a major extension of the building. The scheme included a new meeting room and exhibition space on the ground floor.

But no work has started on the project as the council still needs to raise the finances.

An application was made to the Coal Fields Regeneration fund in July last year which was turned down in November.

The council is prepared to invest £100,000 of its own funds into the project but now wants help from the national lottery.

Staffordshire County Council was employed to design and oversee the construction of the ground floor extension and councillors have also employed a specialist adviser to help find grant funding.

The centre is popular with community groups and is currently fully booked throughout the week with some groups having to be turned away.

It is hoped that with extra facilities, more groups can be accommodated – generating more cash.

Plans for the centre include a new roof, new central heating and improved facilities for the disabled.

Town clerk Peter Harrison said: "The building is in need of repair and facilities which bring it up-to-date for modern standards."

For more information or to donate, visit www.hed nesford-tc.gov.uk