YOUNGSTERS in Bradford on Avon won't be able to complain about having nothing to do after the youth and community centre officially reopened over the weekend – thanks to the work of the town council.

Councillors decided to take over the Frome Road premises in November after Wiltshire Council announced it would be withdrawing its funding last summer – leaving many community groups who use the space worried about their future.

A year on, and the refurbished centre, which originally opened in 1997, not only has a meeting room but also a new gym and adjoining art and music rooms.

Mayor Alison Craddock, who has led the takeover, cut the ribbon at the opening on Saturday.

“We were so shocked to hear about its closure,” she said.

“The centre has great disability access. It's a multi-purpose space that can be used by any group.

“We, as a town council, really wanted to keep it open.”

The council's bid for a full asset transfer was turned down but it managed to secure the centre on a five-year lease. Upkeep of the building is expected to cost about £20,000 per annum.

Cllr Craddock added: “We have been able to do a bit of repair work on the place to make it the best possible space.

“It was an act of faith in taking it over as we spent a lot of time and commitment – around £10,000 – to get it up to scratch and open.

“We hope it isn’t the end of the story for the youth and community centre. We hope to prove to Wiltshire Council how popular it is so that we can have a full asset transfer and do more with the place.”

The Llewellyn Palmer Trust has already granted £10,000 towards the costs of the centre for the first year.

Groups who have already signed up to use the space include Bradford’s Local Youth Network, Barnardo’s and the Thursday Club which helps elderly and disabled people in the town.

Emma Coombs, community youth officer, said: “I am very proud of the hard work the young people in Bradford on Avon have put in to keep their youth club running in partnership with the town council. This shows how the community can work together.”

For information on how to book out the centre, call 01225 864240.