THE heart of Skerton is on the way to recovery thanks to a joint partnership of community and private investment. The Skerton Community Association has received a massive helping hand from a local builder to help renovate the former St John Ambulance building into a community headquarters. Norman Jackson Contractors Ltd of Lancaster has offered to refurbish the derelict building, on King George's Field, out of its own pocket at a cost of thousands of pounds. Leo Rowett, of the Skerton Community Association, said the centre would provide a much needed focus for the residents of Skerton and in particular young people.

He said: "It's our joint aim to have a community based centre in Skerton, for the community and run by the community. At long last the people of Skerton, Vale and Beaumont will have their own meeting place."

The windfall contribution from the building company comes after a previous lottery application by the association failed 18 months ago. Since then the association has raised £1,600 which will also be sunk into the project. Roy Jackson, the managing director of Norman Jackson Contractors Ltd, told the Citizen they offered to help as a gesture to the local community.

He said: "We have made a contribution to the work to refurbish the old St John Ambulance hall bringing it up to a usable condition and carrying out essential repairs."

Already local football groups, OAP groups and mums and toddlers groups have expressed an interest in using the new centre once it is up and running by the end of Spring. Its completion will coincide with the building of a new play area also on King George's Field.

"We hope it will provide a focus for the youth of the area who are looking for direction and to encourage people to use the centre as a platform where they can express their views," added Mr Rowett. To use the centre they should contact Myra Rowett on 843816.

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