Group's plan to fix community hub in 'sorry state'

Volunteers have pledged to try to revive a community centre in Leeds which they say is "underused" and in a sorry state of disrepair.

The Garden Village Welfare Association (GVWA) Community Centre in Cross Gates was once a bustling hive of activity for local groups, with regular theatre productions and exercise classes among its many uses.

But the building is now only used a few hours a week and is in dire need of renovation so, on Saturday, an event will be held to draw attention to its plight, with a fire-eating juggler among the entertainment.

One of the volunteers, Helen Lucy, said they would "love it" if the centre became a place where people could regularly get together as a community.

The building, which is on Penda's Way and which is currently owned by a trust, was first put up alongside many of the neighbouring houses after World War Two.

A large green to the rear of the centre, which was once used as a place to host summer fairs, is also part of the property.

Lucy said: "It's in a bit of a state. We're hoping to renovate it so that it becomes a usable asset for the community.

"We want it to feel like a place they think is theirs, that they can call home and that brings people together. It is underused at the moment.

"We know society is becoming increasingly isolated and people stay in their own homes and watch the telly.

"We would love it if we could have a place where they could regularly come, meet and get to know their neighbours."

An exhibition of the history of the GVWA Centre will also run at the building on Saturday from 11:00 BST until 16:00, with people encouraged to attend and have their say on its future.

Meanwhile, from 19:00, a lantern parade is expected to take place on the green, with backing music from a brass band and entertainment from the fire-eating juggler.

Volunteers said they intended to apply for lottery funding and other grants in an effort to get the cash injection needed for repairs and renovation.

Fellow volunteer Luke Murrow said he wanted the venue to become "vibrant" again, as it was in its 20th Century heyday.

"Back then there were drama societies putting on plays seemingly every month," Murrow explained.

"There were lots of youth clubs and other things. Basically, anyone from any slice of the community could come along and find something to do.

"Our aim is for it to get to that state again where there's something for everyone here."

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