WESTBURY Community Project’s newly-refurbished centre off Eden Vale Road in Westbury is to stay closed until the new year, the trustees have decided.

WCP chairman of trustees Richard Hatt said that in light of the Covid-19 pandemic Tier 2 restrictions it was safer to keep the centre closed until early January. It is used by a wide variety of groups, including a youth club.

Mr Hatt said: “Although currently on furlough, I have had a meeting with Kevin Down our development manager to clarify our thinking about the government decision to move into Tier 2 for this area.

“We are also very mindful of the desire of our users to remain open. However, we bore in mind the following points: the new set of guidance has placed greater restrictions on WCP than before; we must keep users safe; the reduction in people mixing from separate households in buildings; the cleaning after all room hire must be of the highest standard and the protection of staff who use WCP.

“It is felt that in light of all of the above we feel that in the best of interests of wider community that we extend the period of closure until there is a government review of Wiltshire’s tier position.

“Having looked at the WCP diary and our potential bookings we are looking at reopening on January 4, 2021.

“We understand that this is disappointing, but we hope to see you all back in the new year and hopefully with your friends.”

Looking ahead, Mr Hatt added: “Three years ago we could not have imagined that we would have a building whose decoration and facilities were of the highest quality and that 10 different groups were regularly using the project.

“All of this even before we have officially opened! Coronavirus has halted our coming together to celebrate our achievement.

“In the spirit of positivity, we are suggesting that we have our grand opening event on June 26, 2021 where we not only have the official cutting of the ribbon but a time for the users to showcase what they are offering.

“Our initial thoughts are having a family fun day with barbecue and bar and activities with local groups.

“Choosing the person to cut the ribbon is also crucial and so a possibility is to have a Westbury-wide competition to find a member of the community to do the honours.”