TOOTHILL Community Centre is back in action after being closed for months.

The facility in Dunwich Drive shut after the former tenant gave up in December 2017. But now it's been handed over to Age UK Wiltshire.

A delighted parish councillor Steph Exell said residents have complained about the length of time that the centre was shut.

“It plays such an important role in the Toothill community and has been much missed.

“We are looking forward to hearing from the new leaseholders about how they can get involved and to find out what will be happening in the future.”

A statement from Age UK revealed that the charity is working in partnership with the borough council to bring new services to the community.

“We are really pleased that it's reopened. We will be looking for local groups to return as the centre was very well used,” said borough councillor Jim Robbins.

“Previous tenants decided to leave and we were sad to here that. The council looked for a new group to take over and run the community centre. From what I understand, Age UK will run events for the elderly people as well as renting spaces for the wider community,”

Coun Mary Martin added: “We value the commitment that has been made to provide activities that will appeal to everyone in the community.”

Age UK is asking for clubs and groups to meet in as rooms are still available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kiddle Ruth, a resident and committee member at the centre said: “At the moment any club or groups are welcome: coffee morning, tea dance, bingo, anything really. They just want to get the building used.

“They are running a Fitness and Friendship group and the next meeting is scheduled for February 12.”

To book, people should contact Wiltshire & Swindon Age UK on 01380 727767.