AFTER years of waiting, the residents of Redhouse finally have their own community centre.

Although it has been open for a number of weeks, the building was formerly opened on Saturday morning by the MP for North Swindon Justin Tomlinson.

Last year it acted as the home for Tadpole Farm Primary but now the school has moved to its new permanent home, it is hoped the community centre will act as a focal point for the people of Redhouse.

Work on bringing the centre to the area started more than four years ago but after much negotiation to buy the land and raise funds, there is much joy it is finally open.

Councillor Vera Tomlinson (Con, St Andrews) was one of the main drivers behind the project.

She said: “It’s absolutely wonderful for the people of Redhouse. There was nowhere to go for things like meetings and groups like the Scouts up until now.

“We now have the centre everyone wanted. It has taken a long time but it will definitely be worth it and help increase the community spirit in the area.

“We had to negotiate to get the land, and I thank Crest Nicholson for that, and then it has taken three years to get the funds together but it is all worth it.

“It is good to see the community already using it.”

The centre will now be operated by Blunsdon St Andrews Parish Council. Already it is the home of the Glitterbugs Nursery and holds a number of other classes.

“We are very proud to be taking of the running and I would like to thank the borough council for letting us,” said Ian Jankinson, the parish chairman.

“It is a great addition to the community and you can see how much it was wanted by the number of people who are already using it.

“We have employed two people, Adrain Boast and Ian Cox, to act as an administrator and caretaker. I want to thank them for their work so far.

“We will work with the local community to make sure they are happy with everything we do here.”

Mr Tomlinson said: “This is a fantastic addition to the Redhouse Community and I am delighted to see there has been so much enthusiasm for it already.

“I am sure this will be a thriving facility and it’s a credit to Vera Tomlinson who diligently chased the funding over a number of years. Going forward, the collaboration of Vera, the parish council and local people will make this building a huge success.”