A new look for a new year, thanks to grants of £40,000 (From Warrington Guardian)

A new look for a new year, thanks to grants of £40,000

A WINDFALL of almost £40,000 could help improve a struggling community centre in Howley.

St Elphin's Community Centre has been granted £30,000 from Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (Wren) to refurbish its kitchen and build disabled toilets.

However, the cash is subject to more than £3,000 being contributed by the Community Centre Association.

Arnold Wright, chairman of the association, said: "These funds are now in place and the committee is grateful for support and help at the centre and hope that donations and fundraising will continue in the coming year."

In addition, the work of the architects, which will not be covered by the grant, also needs to be paid for.

It is hoped that the work will be finished by the summer.

Meanwhile, Warrington Borough Council has given the centre a £10,000 environmental improvement grant to go towards the redesign and renovation of the centre's front porch.

Mr Wright said that the porch is in poor condition and added: "It needs renovating all together, the woodwork has gone and it needs re-roofing."

The borough council is drawing up blueprints for the building's new-look entrance and will have a meeting with the centre's committee when plans are finalised.

The committee will then choose its favourite design.

Mr Wright added: "It's not a long job, we hope it will be completed in the next few months."

If you have any fundraising ideas, or would like to make a donation to help the centre, call 821048.