A BRAND new community centre in Bourton-on-the-Water will be opened before the end of this year.

Bourton Parish Council held a public meeting last week to give residents a detailed update regarding the community centre project.

The centre, which is due to open by the end of 2014, will “belong to the parish” as the parish council plan to buy the centre. The council has put its old office up for sale.

The hub will be the heart of the community, providing an office for the parish council as well as a library, police hub, health suite, cafe and also rooms to hire.

The centre could be named the George Moore Community Centre, after local benefactor George Moore. Local trust Moore Friends has given a £150,000 grant to the community centre project which has allowed the council to continue work on the project without applying for any financial help.

One resident spoke up at the meeting and said: “It never ceases to amaze me what this village can achieve. I’ve never known a village with such a drive to it and it’s very impressive.” His comment was met with a delighted round of applause from the room, packed full with around 80 people in attendance.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the centre has been asked to email clerk@bourtononthewaterpc.org.uk .

Volunteer opportunities include helping maintain the garden space, working at the community café, organising fundraising events and coordinating youth activities.