A YOUTH club allowed to fall into disrepair has been reopened following a massive refurbishment.

Hale Youth Centre, a listed building, reopened last Saturday after the current management committee decided it need a refit.

Its condition had deteriorated but thanks to an investment from a number of groups the building has been modernised with a new kitchen among the benefits.

The committee, led by chairman Steve Turton, and supported by treasurer Clr Mike Wharton and secretary Ian Trimble, submitted numerous funding bids before the work could go ahead.

Both Wren and Biffa pumped £50,000 into the project.

Committee chairman Steve Turton said: “We are delighted that all the hard work has now paid off at last, and we would like to thank everyone who has been involved in bringing about the transformation and ensuring the future of this historic building.”

Clr Mike Wharton, its treasurer, added: “It is now a really great facility for the village which has been made possible by the youth centre committee working closely over many years with Halton Council’s external funding team and the various funding bodies.”

Other funders who contributed include Halton Housing Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and Halton Borough Council.

Staff at O2, through the company’s Think Big programme, gave a day's time to help with the redecorating of the centre.

The renovation work, undertaken to a high standard by Paragon Construction, has modernised the building while retaining the historic features.

The centre will now offer a facility for the young people of Hale, including Rainbows, Brownies, Ju-Jitsu, and a youth club, but also for a range of other activities for the local community.