A KEIGHLEY community centre which has played a pivotal role in providing support during lockdown is being ‘relaunched’.

Much-needed work is being carried out at the Hainworth Wood centre, in Hainworth Wood Road, after a successful fundraising effort.

And, working in conjunction with Keighley Big Local to create a Covid-secure space, the volunteers who run the building hope to reopen it to activities next month (October).

The community centre provides a base for a food bank, and is normally home to the DART luncheon club – which offers a lifeline to older residents – and hosts Big Local meetings and activity sessions, such as children’s arts and crafts.

During lockdown, the centre has been used by volunteers to co-ordinate support to people shielding and self-isolating due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now the building is preparing for its latest chapter with extensive repairs to the roof and guttering.

Trustee Ellen Bailey began the fundraising, initially approaching Keighley Town Council.

Town councillors Samantha Cooper and Mick Dowse contributed through their ward investment funds.

Funding has also been provided by the Bradford Council transformation team, Big Local – which in addition obtained building regulations approval and put the work out to tender – and the centre itself.

In total, more than £20,000 was raised.

The work – being carried out by ADJ Joinery – comes after the building has suffered worsening problems with leaks, which have placed constraints on the use of the centre.

‘Emergency’ repairs took place five years ago, but problems have not abated.

“The centre volunteers see the new repairs as part of a relaunch of the building and they come at a time when everyone involved is working on a vision – defining what the building’s role is and planning on ways to expand that role in the future,” said Shaun O’Hare, of Keighley Big Local.

“Over the coming months those involved in running the centre want to start providing again – from it being a place where residents can drop-in for a cup of tea to hosting hobby groups, arts and crafts and after-school clubs and for the community centre to be the venue of choice for residents to hold family celebrations.”

Keighley East district councillor Caroline Firth praises the work of the centre and welcomes the support provided by Bradford Council.

“We are grateful that the centre – with fantastic support from the area co-ordinator’s office – was able to access £8,500 through the council’s transformation programme,” she said.

“So much positive work goes on at the centre and during lockdown volunteers have been a lifeline for people, by knocking on doors and providing food support.

“The centre is a success due to the dedication of these volunteers, who do everything from being treasurer to opening and running activities.

“They always need a helping hand, so if anyone has a bit of time to provide support with the running of the building or organising activities, please do get in touch.

“The transformation of the building means it’s an exciting time to be involved.”

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “We are very pleased that the council, along with partner organisations, has helped to enable this essential repair work to be carried out. The centre has provided much-needed support to vulnerable people during lockdown and this building work will ensure that its vital role in the community will continue into the future.”

For more about the centre, visit hainworthwoodcommunitycentre.org.uk.