A WHITCHURCH community centre has received a further lifeline from Whitchurch Town Council thanks to a financial donation.

The Beechtree Community Centre, based in Claypit Street, provides a space for people of all ages to meet and spend time together in a safe environment.

But the centre has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and is now desperately low on funds after being closed for a long time.

At last month's full council meeting, councillors agreed to donate £5,000 from general reserves to the centre, to ensure its continued survival, with a view to provided a further grant at the following meeting.

At November's meeting, held on Thursday, November 18 councillors once again spoke of the importance of the Beechtree Centre, and agreed to another donation of £5,000.

Speaking in support of the proposal, Councillor Andy Hall said: "I've got to say, what they are proposing is needed right now for youth work in Whitchurch, there is a clear need for this at the moment.

"I know the town council made a donation last month and what I would say is I propose the town council make a donation of £5,000 from the youth work budget which currently has £15,000 in it.

"Anyone who lives locally to Whitchurch knows there is a lack of youth work at the moment."