Community pulls together as revamped centre open its doors

A busy community centre has reopened to the public following £100,000 of funding from South Kesteven District Council.

Known locally as The Earlesfield Community Centre, the Trent Road venue serves communities in and around West Grantham.

District and Grantham Town Councillors Steve Cunnington and Lee Steptoe led the push to complete the refurbishment following investment from SKDC, which released £100,000 from its reserves.

Improvements include new windows and fire doors; security fencing to deter vandalism; a full boiler service; re-laying uneven paths; a deep clean; and removal of graffiti.

A new kitchen, installed by United Living, is being fitted to enable lettings to community groups. And Mick Townhill and the team at Grantham Fabrications donated a sturdy bench and table unit for the garden.

The venue trustees are Cllr Steptoe as Chair, joined by Cllr Cunnington, with Cllrs Tim Harrison and Paul Stokes, who is the Deputy Leader of SKDC.

Cllr Steptoe said: “I campaigned for funding for the centre from the end of Covid restrictions and was delighted when the new administration committed to it last year.

“It shows a new political will in an area that has been neglected for far too long. It also demonstrates the strength of cross-party collaboration and will allow it to become the local hub, with The Bread and Butter Thing food bank and Building Brighter Futures, already signed up as users.

“I am looking forward to working with the new Board of Trustees to develop this local asset to its full potential.”

Cllr Cunnington added: “Years of neglect are now at an end. The residents of Earlesfield now have a community centre fit for the community. We have more plans and events coming up and leading into next year, all of which are designed to benefit and brings the community together.”

More recent work by the Trustees includes securing a £3,500 commercial dishwasher courtesy of Miele and Rob Dixon, plus tech and furniture items free of charge.

Cllr Harrison said: “This shows how the Grantham Together community is pulling together in response to the SKDC investment and we’re looking forward to a bright future with such strong local support.”

The first public event was at August Bank Holiday, when a barbecue and fun day party was organised to celebrate its re-opening.

Regular events also include Line Dancing, Grantham Capoeira Club, Rabbit Club and Building Brighter Futures (with Grantham College, which provide information, guidance and one to one support for people to improve wellbeing and confidence). Bookings are being taken for individual parties and other group meeting space. Anyone interested in booking one of the rooms should call 07872 522039 or 07850 285772.

The Community Centre is a registered charity created to provide services to the people of the Earlesfield Estate.

Supporters who donated time, goods or services to the Bank Holiday event include Hope Community Cafe, Grantham Capoeira, Cleaver Meats Ltd, Morrisons, The Castle King, Watkins Grantham, Paul O’Reilly, South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.

Food hub charity The Bread and Butter Thing already uses the centre as its base for weekly events where members can collect three bags of fruit and vegetables, chilled food and cupboard staples at discounted prices.