Cash windfall gives centre vital lifeline (From Warrington Guardian)

Cash windfall gives centre vital lifeline

THE struggling St Elphin's Community Centre has received a much-needed cash injection, along with other community projects that have benefited from New Year windfalls.

The St Elphin's Community Centre Association made a bid to WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd) last year and has clinched £30,000 for the centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the centre's kitchen and toilet facilities.

Dave Eatock, community development officer for Warrington Borough Council, told the Guardian: "It's very good news. Finding the money for these things is always quite hard."

Mr Eatock said that the centre was surviving but that more cash was needed to help keep it open.

He added: "The main thing is to keep the money coming in for refurbishment work. Once we can identify another source of funding it will start to look quite good for the centre."

Currently, a new boiler is needed for the building's central heating system and the front porch is in need of renovating.

The Fairfield and Howley Community Forum has been successful in two separate bids.

WREN is providing cash for a new children's play area at The Green, Robson Street, and a seating and hang-out area for teenagers at Oakwood Park, Gorsey Lane.

Money has also been allocated to provide the park with new goalposts and signs encouraging people to keep the park clean and pick up after their dogs.

Meanwhile, the Watkin Street Tenants and Residents Association has won £53,000 from The Countryside Agency to make improvements to lighting, seating and pathways at Brickfields Park.

However, its original bid was for £150,000 and it has now had to apply to Living Spaces for a grant for the remainder of the money.