A NEW neighbourhood centre for the people of Bemerton Heath has been unveiled

To celebrate the big opening a party was thrown with dozens of residents on hand to check out the new facilities. Cllr Beryl Jay, chairman of Salisbury District Council, cut the ribbon and residents cut a cake, as the new centre was declared officially open.

Sally Pursall, who will be one of two full time staff at the centre, said: "We hope this will be a place where people can get together. Our aim is to meet their needs, so we will always be open to new suggestions."

As well as activities and workshops the centre will provide access to information through a learning shop equipped with 12 computers.

Residents are already looking forward to making use of the new facilities.

Judith Fazackarley, of Woodside Road, said: "I am coming in this week to use the computers and really looking forward to it. It's a great facility and I can't wait to get onto the internet."

The centre will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.