PEOPLE power will decide what the new Marsh Community Centre looks like with two different plans on the drawing board.

Local campaigners want as many Castle ward residents as possible to give their views on the proposals to develop a community centre to be used by local people.

Organisers are determined that it will be a community-led project and one idea is to build a new school building thereby releasing the old junior school for the community centre.

Tom Byrne of the Marsh Community Action Group, commented: "This is a tremendous opportunity for local people to give their opinions. If the centre is to be a success, we need people to tell us what they think."

Fellow action group member, Wayne Brennand, added: "This is a perfect opportunity for people to stand up and be counted and let the authorities know that they have to do something in this area."

Ray Dobson of the Marsh Residents and Tenants Organisation said: "This is fantastic chance for people on the Marsh to look at the plans and help decide what we really need."

County Cllr Bob Clark explained that one plan to use on old school building.

"As County Councillor for the area, I'm hoping to persuade the county council to press the Government for funds for new school buildings on the current infants site and therefore release the old junior school for the community centre project."

The other option is to build a centre from scratch. Cllr Jon Barry explained: "If the bid fails we intend to seek funding for a new-build option on the former nursery site. However, part of the consultation will involve asking people what they think of this strategy."

The public consultation will be held at Willow Lane Junior School on November 4, between 3pm-4.30pm and 7pm-8.30pm.

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