WORK has begun on a £45,000 refurbishment that will update a community centre used by residents across one of England’s smallest cities

St Wilfrid’s community centre in Trinity Lane, Ripon, which serves the people of the city and the surrounding area is due to be completely overhauled after the grant was approved by WREN a not for profit business which awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects.

The funds are donated by FCC Environment from the Landfill Communities Fund.

Bernadette Barnes, chair of St. Wilfrid’s Community Centre Association, says the facility will make a real difference for people living in the area making it available for activities which the community says they need and will use after a consultation was held. The aim is the centre will offer low cost accommodation for groups.

She said: “This project will provide a real boost to the people of Ripon. It’s fantastic that WREN has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to our Community Centre taking shape over the next few months.”

Penny Beaumont, WREN’s grant manager for Yorkshire added:: “We’re delighted to be supporting the St Wilfrid’s Community Centre Project and pleased our funding will make such a difference to so many groups of people across Ripon. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and we’re looking forward to this one having a positive impact very soon.”

The St Wilfrid’s Committee say they’re hoping work will be completed and the centre reopened by autumn this year.