Village teams up to reopen community centre

Former parish councillor Derek Walters and community centre trustee Rob Perks at the reopening of Rudloe Community Centre

A community centre which closed its doors in 2017 has reopened after to a four-year campaign by village organisations.

Rudloe Community Centre, near Corsham, shut down due to management and funding issues.

Its reopening was marked on Friday, after several months of refurbishment work, all paid for by fundraising efforts and community funding from the nearby Dickens Gate development.

Derek Walters, former Wiltshire councillor for Corsham Without, said: "It's thanks to Corsham Baptist Church, Box Parish council and all the other people that have given their time, effort and money to make it happen."

The building has been shut for eight years

Rob Perks, a trustee for the community centre, said: "The building was very tired, but it's now looking really bright and airy. It's great to see it back in use again."

Dan Ovens, from Corsham Baptist Church, will head up a youth group in the community centre.

"It will make a really big difference for young people to have a space to interact, hang out and have fun. We're really excited about it," he said.

"We had 50-odd young people at the first youth group last week."

Amy Cater says there is already a "lovely atmosphere" in the building

The centre will also host a community cafe, food store, debt advice sessions, a boxing club and Hartbeeps music and sensory sessions.

Amy Cater, who runs Hartbeeps, said: "I used to live in Rudloe when I was little and would come to this building.

"So to be able to bring my classes here as an adult and bring joy to other children, it's just fantastic.

"It is a really lovely environment already."