RESIDENTS at the centre of a regeneration row are to gain a multi-use community centre.

An £886,000 regeneration of the Meath Street Community Centre, in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough, is on the cards after the council handed over its running to the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT).

The trust is preparing to pump £800,000 into the centre, with the council contributing £86,000.

Joan Ford, chairman of the WMNT, said: "The new centre will be a real boost for local people and I'm delighted that it is full steam ahead for a first-class community facility.

"Our next step is to employ a manager for the new centre, who will work closely with residents to develop the facilities, generate income and make sure that the centre's activities and events are the ones that local people want."

The centre, which should be open in about a year, will offer a wide range of social events and activities for local residents of all ages. It could also offer drop-in health facilities, lifelong learning sessions, information technology training and a mobile library service.

Councillor David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration and a member of the WMNT board, said: "We are determined to secure good-quality facilities for residents in this part of the town.

"The current community centre isn't in good shape.

"The council and WMNT will work together to provide an excellent, modern facility which should become the focal point of a lot of community activity.

"It shows our commitment to investing in our neighbourhoods."

The council has earmarked parts of Gresham for demolition as part of its plan to bulldoze 1,500 homes across the town. Angry residents are challenging the council's decision, which they claim, will destroy the heart of the community.

But a recent Mori survey, which was commissioned by the council, showed 77 per cent of residents were in favour of the demolition plan.

It is expected that the existing centre will be demolished and building work started before Christmas to pave the way for the new centre to open in September next year.