A CAMPAIGN is underway to force Swindon Council to rebuild a much-loved community centre.

The move comes amid claims by councillors that the local authority has consistently failed to deliver on promises to deliver a community centre – which they said it first made four years ago – before Pinehurst People’s Centre was demolished.

The proposition is backed by two local DJs featured in the Adver two weeks ago, who along with police, have been unsuccessful in their search for a venue to hold disco parties for ‘bored youths’.

Chris Rogers, one of the two DJs, said: “I think the lack of a community centre is a significant instigator in the problems we are facing here in Pinehurst – there is no community spirit.

“There is nowhere for the children to channel their energy or meet up or so positive things.

“Without places to gather there is no wonder kids are throwing stones, that’s what they do when they are bored.

”The fact that we are having to look at a venue in Moredon just to teach some youths how to play music shows what sort of issues we face here in Pinehurst.”

Councillor Ray Ballman (Lab, Gorse Hill & Pinehurst) also believes there is a link between the lack of youth activities in the area and anti-social behaviour, which residents said has been getting out of control.

However, police say anti-social behaviour has fallen because of more regular patrols.

Mrs Ballman said: “It’s not rocket science if you don’t invest in these areas you’re going to get anti social behaviour – the council have been promising Pinehurst a community centre for four years.

“The only thing you can do then is police the area, which is currently happening in the Tree Courts, using the force’s resources.

“Our argument has always been the new community centre would have a police point in it something the police are very supportive of – only problem is there is no centre yet.”

The Pinehurst Community Association has also backed up the claim that the children in Pinehurst have ‘lost everything’ - including a community centre, youth centre and sports facilities.

Mrs Ballman added a multi use games area will be opened at the rear of Tree Courts on July 8.

North and West Swindon Inspector Peter Chamberlain, has said that despite looking for a venue over several months he has come up empty handed.