A COMMUNITY centre has reopened six weeks after being forced to close because of a funding crisis.

Services are gradually returning to Shildon People's Centre after a new team took over management of the former Shildon Centre.

The centre, on the town's Main Street, closed on May 31 when Durham County Council funding for its staff ran out.

Around a dozen volunteers stepped into the breach and this week they opened the doors again to welcome back community groups based there.

A local history society and amateur dramatics club have moved back into the centre and some youth activities have resumed.

Colin Devonport, volunteer spokesman, said: "We're delighted to have the centre open again and are doing our best with few resources and in time people are offering voluntarily to get services and facilities back."

The council awarded a £2,000 start-up to the new committee and Councillor Vernon Chapman, the town's county councillor, has offered them £500 from his members fund to help them meet initial running costs.

Volunteers also put their hands in their own pockets to redecorate a cafe area which it hopes to reopen next week.

The drop in cafe, which was one of the most popular facilities of the old centre, is expected to be open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm.

Volunteers also hope to run adult education courses, such as basic skills for the underprivileged.

The change in management follows a year of uncertainty for the centre since the county council announced budget cuts last spring.

Shildon Centre Limited, which used to run the venue, applied for charitable status and announced its independence in a bid to secure alternative finance.

But its main grant application was turned down so just two months after taking over the centre the management committee was forced to call it a day.

The new volunteers entered fresh talks with the county council, whose leader Councillor Albert Nugent promised to save the facility, and is presently negotiating terms of the lease.

Mr Devonport added: "We would really welcome more volunteers, members of the old committee and donations.

"The money we have will only cover insurance and utility bills for a short while so we need help."

Anyone who wants to get involved can call 01388-777984 or email info@spc.org.uk.