Thumbs up for restored building (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Thumbs up for restored building

Plus pic coombe main and thumb (see Richard for caption)

OLD Coombe House in Tetbury has been given a new lease of life.

The historic building, in new Church Street, has been turned into a centre of learning and seven affordable homes.

Dignitaries were invited to see the transformation at an official opening on Friday.

Fosseway Housing Association organised the refurbishment and restoration of the derelict building.

Its original features have been retained, beams are exposed and it has natural stone walls.

District councillor Sue Jepson said: "This is a valuable mixed-use project to help the young people of Tetbury with affordable housing and opportunity for training.

"I'm particularly pleased that four flats are for single people under the age of 25."

Cirencester College is operating the centre, called @Tetbury, and a variety of courses are on offer, including IT, craft and family issues.

One local already taking advantage of the new facilities is town mayor Marlene Ash.

She said: "I'm doing an ECDL which stands for European Computer Driving License.

"It's the sort of qualification that they ask for now if you are starting work.

"I'm retired but I'm doing it to learn more about computers because my grandchildren can already use them. I'm really enjoying it.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this course if it had been in Cirencester."

Funds for the project came from Fosseway Housing Association, Cirencester College, Cotswold District Council, the Learning Skills Council, the South West Regional Development Agency and Tetbury Town Council.