A village centre that has been
built in a disused school and equipped by the community is to throw
open its doors for the first time next week.
Villagers in Bulkington
decided to work together to provide a focus for community activities
after an old church hall closed.
When an infant school in
School Road in the village centre closed five years ago they decided
to try and use the building to revitalise the area.
Parts of the building have
been renovated and leased. A new doctor’s surgery, clinic and area
police office and nursery have been opened.
The money from the rent pays
for the maintenance and upkeep of the building for the community.
Grants from Warwickshire
County Council and National Lottery Charities Board paved the way for
work to take place.
The final fruits of the labour
will be officially unveiled next Monday by Nuneaton Mayor Mary
Beaumont.
The opening will consist of
cutting a ribbon and planting a tree, and many events have been
planned throughout the week.
These
include sessions for children, drama, sports and games for young
people, history talks and adult classes. There are five rooms to be
used, as well as a café and garden.
BVC
director Simon Batten said the programme for young people was
particularly important.
He
said:
"I
think young people sometimes fee that they aren't catered for at a
local level and that no-one is listening when they do voice their
views.
"We
have been listening and we hope that the programme we provide week
in week out does cater for their needs."
