MARLBOROUGH town council has been rewarded for it's work towards re-opening the youth centre in the town.

Community First, a charity which champions small local community causes held it's AGM meeting at the beginning of the month, which saw the first local community award being presented to the town council for their work in in taking on the former youth centre at St Margaret’s Mead and transforming it into today’s Marlborough Community and Youth Centre.

Around 18 months ago, there was no community centre for local groups to use or where sports clubs could practice and nowhere for young people to meet and socialise, since the youth centre was closed.

The building was about to be boarded up and mothballed but led by community demand and a campaign by current Mayor, Councillor Lisa Farrell, the Town Council took it on in June 2017 and has worked with local groups, business and individuals to open it up again.

Following extensive refurbishment, it offers a multi-use hall, a changing room for junior football teams, a sound proofed music practice room and a café area with a suite of computers. It’s now used by a wide variety of local groups.

The Mayor, Lisa Farrell, who collected the award, said: “It’s really humbling to be at a ceremony where so many worthy volunteers of all ages have been recognised for their work in the community.

"I am so proud that Marlborough Town Council and its fabulous community have been selected as winners.

"So many people contributed to this, young people campaigning at council meetings, local voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals all played a massive part and deserve a piece of this award.

"Thank you to everyone involved.”