Ref. 29484-64VILLAGERS in Chiseldon finally have a £80,000, brand-new commuity centre after five years of hard graft.

Coun Mike Nettlefold, chairman of Chiseldon Parish Council's recreation and social committee, said the new centre, which is painted green to blend in with its surroundings, has been worth the wait.

"A lot of hard work has gone into this project," he said.

"We deliberately chose a design that was in keeping with the landscape.

"It's very important for communities, especially the smaller rural ones, to have a social focal point."

The project was awarded £23,000 from the Countryside Agency, with the remainder funded by parish funds.

The local scout group and Chiseldon Tennis Club, which will be the main beneficiaries of the centre, previously used an old wooden hut.

Both moved to the new premises around Christmas.

"The old hut is in a decrepit state and didn't look as if it would last much longer," said Coun Nettlefold. "Wood is rotting as water begins to soak in."

The old hut was brought to Chiseldon in the 1970s and Coun Nettlefold believes it was formerly used as a rest room for drivers at Swindon bus station.

Although the two groups will be given priority, Coun Keith Bates also of the parish council stressed it is for all villagers to enjoy.

He said: "It would be nice to see young people take advantage of it.

"This is an investment in our future.

"The centre will be used a great deal by the groups during the week, but we would also like to see it used at weekends too.

"It has a range of facilities including a kitchen so it would make an ideal venue for wedding parties."

Sited on the Recreation Ground, the new centre is due to be officially opened by Swindon South MP Julia Drown next month.

Only last week Ms Drown presented Downing Street with a petition signed by 4,000 Swindon and Wiltshire people calling for more action to be taken to save ageing village halls around the district.

The official opening will be on April 3. Festivities start at 10am until 4pm and organisers are encouraging all interested villagers to come along and take a look at the new building.

Kevin Shoesmith