RESIDENTS in Cinderford have been working together with local partners to help revamp a community space which was starting to look “a little tired” for the benefit of the many groups who use it.

The Community Centre on Worcester Road, which is used by residents for exercise classes, bingo, coffee groups and other regular activities, has been given a facelift by local businesses and volunteers to ensure it can to be enjoyed by locals for many years to come.

The project has been led by Forest of Dean District Council’s Community Builders team, who worked with residents to find out what improvements they would like to see in the town.

Forest Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Paul Hiett, explained: “The Community Builders Team do fantastic work in meeting local residents and working with them to support their local community. 

“Having held a ‘Chips and Chat’ event with residents back in March, it was clear that the revamp of the Community Centre on Worcester Road, Cinderford was of high importance to the community and I’m really happy that the Council, along with local businesses and partners were able to deliver this for residents.

“I’d like to personally thank everybody who has been involved in this project and I hope that residents in Cinderford can now enjoy the Community Centre for many more years to come.”

The initiative began with work and wellbeing services provider Seetec Pluss contacting local construction school AccXel to discuss working on the community project, before partnering with Forest of Dean District Council, Prospect Training Services and Two Rivers Housing to carry out the required work.

A Community Volunteer event took place on May 11 and 12, with the local partners working collaboratively to provide the “extensive” redecoration.

Rebecca Porter from Seetec Pluss described the event as “a fun day had by all with some decorating tips picked up along the way!”.

Local residents who use the space said they were “delighted” with the result.

One resident who uses the centre regularly said: ‘The place looks so much cleaner and better and it’s amazing how much work has been done in the time. Everyone must have worked really hard. Thank you.”

Chief Executive of Two Rivers Housing, Garry King, added: “I am delighted, and slightly humbled, that representatives from local businesses, Forest of Dean District Council and Two Rivers have kindly given up two days of their time and come together to create such a bright and welcoming space for the benefit of the Worcester Road scheme residents and local community. 

“I would personally like to thank all the hard-working volunteers for their generosity and community spirit, plus the local organisations who have donated time and resources, as well as helping us plan this event in partnership with the residents.

“On behalf of Two Rivers Housing, my gratitude and thanks go to the volunteers from Seetec, AccXel, Prospect Training, Forest of Dean District Council Community Builders, and the Two Rivers Housing team.”