THANKS to a £30,000 grant a local community centre has become a warmer and more welcoming space for residents.

Worsbrough Common Community Centre has been fitted with new central heating and flooring after trustees secured the grant from the council’s Pride of Place scheme.

Vera Mawby, chair of Worsbrough Common Community Association, said: “We are so grateful for the grant from Barnsley Council, which has helped us to bring our facilities up to date.

“The centre is amazing now - the new flooring is a big upgrade on what we had before and the heating system is wonderful.

“The feedback from our members has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The warmer and more inviting atmosphere has already made a difference in attendance and participation.

“We believe the people of Worsbrough Common deserve the best and thanks to this grant, we now have it.”

The Pride of Place Scheme has already supported more than 50 community groups and charities to invest a total of £547,124 in facilities, services and the environment.

Cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, Coun Wendy Cain, added: “Our Pride of Place scheme is all about empowering our community groups to invest in what they need to make lives better in Barnsley.

“Investing in our community spaces is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that all residents have access to safe and welcoming environments.

“Community centres like the one in Worsbrough Common are the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods and we are proud to play a part in rejuvenating these vital facilities.

“I hope everyone at Worsbrough Common Community Centre is now enjoying meeting up in cosy, comfortable conditions and feel sure this investment will help the centre go from strength to strength.”