A BURST pipe has led to a community centre closing for up to eight weeks.

Although water damage at the Newtown Community Centre, in Wrensfield Road, is not severe, Stockton Borough Council is to bring forward a programme of improvements planned for the building to coincide with repairs.

New heating and kitchen facilities are to be installed in the centre, as well as a variety of improvements to other parts of the building to make it more comfortable for users.

Veronica McGloin, the council's principal community officer, said: "We hope to reopen the centre at the beginning of March with much improved facilities for training and various community activities.

"In the meantime, we will be working with the various users and the committee to help them find somewhere else to go while the repairs and improvements are under way.