VILLAGE leaders are inviting fellow residents to join them in celebrating a new era for their community centre.

Having taken over responsibility for running Quarrington Hill Community Centre earlier this year, the community association has now completed a major refurbishment of the 20-year-old, Front Street facility, costing around £50,000.

Committee leaders are inviting people to see the building improvements and celebrate the asset transfer from Durham County Council at an open day on Saturday (October 4).

Chairman Keith Pounder said: “We wanted a facility fit for the 21st century.

“We’re very pleased with what the whole management committee has been able to achieve in delivering this for the community.

“This is the only venue in the village where people of all ages can go and there are activities. If anything happened to this place, it would have a devastating effect.”

The bungalow-type facility was facing the prospect of closure some years ago but the committee produced a viable business plan and Durham County Council agreed an asset transfer, with a 30-year lease at peppercorn rent signed in April.

In recent months, new lights, carpets, blinds, insulation, radiator covers and a storage shed and new front door have been installed.

The toilets have been improved and disused changing rooms have been converted into a meeting room.

Funding came from Lafarge Tarmac, which gave a grant of £46,019, Durham County Council, Coxhoe Parish Council and local county councillors.

Previously, a new kitchen and double glazing had been added.

Usage of the centre has increased, with groups now using the hall every weeknight, and the hall is available for hire for functions and events.

Saturday’s event will include a demonstration of new age kurling, for which funding has just been granted.

There will also be a chance for villagers to give their views on proposals to improve the village environment, as requested by residents during consultation on the Coxhoe Parish Plan.

Plans are afoot to have Teesdale-based Phil Townsend produce two sculptures for the village’s entrances from Cassop and Coxhoe and install a mining memorial featuring a scale model of a shaft.

The open day runs from 10am to noon and all are welcome.