SCORES of young mothers are looking forward to a new community centre in Park South.

Yoga, quiz groups and DIY classes were just some of the services requested at an open consultation day in the Reuben George Centre yesterday.

The meeting asked residents for their ideas on how to make use of the old Park South Infant School building, which will be trans-formed into a second Welcome Centre by September.

The Welcome Centre has already established a thriving institution in Park North and hopes to spread its success to Park South.

South Swindon MP Julia Drown attended the event, pledging her support.

She said: "The Welcome Centre is very popular with parents. It has changed people's lives for the better, so I fully support the expansion of their services to Park South."

And local young mothers greeted the future facility with equal enthusiasm.

Lisa Lansdown, 22, said: "This is great news. The centre will be far easier for me to get to and I cannot wait to meet new people."

Besides offering a wide range of activities, the centre will also run a free crche service.

So while Lisa polishes up cook-ing or DIY skills, she can rest assured that her one-year-old son Justin is in safe hands.

"It will give me a chance to relax but also broaden my horizons," she added.

Mother-of-two Charlene Willis, 18, expressed an interest in art and craft and sewing.

She said: "It gives me a chance to be creative and also meet other mothers.

"The centre will also look after my sons Jamie and John while I am learning."

The chance of weekly day trips to the beach or big cities during the summer holidays also appealed to residents.

Laura Morgan, 18, said: "I am interested in taking my daughter, Beth, to Weymouth. It would be a chance to escape Swindon and socialise."

Her friend Laura Maundrell, 17, was equally keen to discover new places. She said: "It will get us out more and mixing with people our own age. I am really looking forward to it."

But support from men was less forthcoming. Clive Robinson, 49, has been involved with the centre in Park North for two years.

He said: "I think it is brilliant. But I am the only man in the cookery class. We need more men to get involved and reap the rewards."

Kay White, project worker at the Welcome Centre, said that the new service will fill a gap in family services in Park South.

She said: "From positive parent-ing to a tool library, we provide something for everyone. It is all about helping the community, boosting self-confidence and acquiring new skills."

The school site is big enough to introduce new activities, such as keep fit and yoga.

The centre is being funded by the European Social Fund and Zurich Financial Services, but more money is needed.

If you would like to make a donation or have other activity suggestions, call the Welcome Centre on: Swindon 486806.