THE keys to the Walcot Dome Community Centre have been handed to the steering committee in charge of its future.

But the committee, which was formed earlier this year to take the community centre back from Swindon Council, is still waiting to be given full control of the building.

In March 2010 the Dome, in Burghley Close, was taken over by Swindon Council just as the electricity supply was to be cut off and rising debts put its future in doubt.

Patsy Moloney, the chairman of the new committee and former vice-chairman of Old Town Festival, said: “We are taking over the business and the training is starting this week.

“Now I have got the keys we can come and go. We are making progress, we can now see a date coming up when we will take over completely and do our own bookings.”

Before the council stepped in as part of a mutual agreement with the previous trustees, the centre was struggling to pay its debts.

The new committee has applied for charity status and is hoping the council will put its members in charge as soon as it is approved.

Mr Moloney said: “They have to be extra careful but I can assure them I wouldn’t be involved in something I couldn’t make a success of – I know we can.

“To get the keys now that’s a very very good sign. They council is saying we can come and go when we like but give notice of events.”

Mr Moloney said the council has been helping them and wrote the constitution and business plan for them.

The centre has been redecorated and there are marked out pitches for five-a-side football, basketball and badminton.

There will be an open day from 9am until 5pm tomorrow where South Swindon MP Robert Buckland will officially re-open the centre at noon.

He said: “This venue is for the whole community and as such is open to everyone in Swindon. If anyone wishes to come and have a look or help they are welcome.”

The day will include a car boot and table top sale as well as a craft fair. Admission is 20p.

To join the committee write to The Dome Community Centre, Burghley Close, Walcot, Swindon, SN3 3BS, or call 01793 642368.