Plans are taking shape to breathe new life into Clanfield Sports and Community Centre with a re-opening in the spring.

The centre was run by the not-for-profit Clanfield Sports and Community Foundation, which hosted a grand opening in November 2018.

But the foundation folded in July this year after the centre closed in March for the lockdown.

Now Clanfield Parish Council says an agreement has been reached with local charity Community First to run it, with an April reopening.

Council chairman John Bannell said: “This is a positive message for residents as we look forward to a better year ahead.

“We have been getting the centre ready for handover at the start of February ahead of the provisional opening date. Everything is on track for that to happen.”

The charity plans to invite residents’ views on the use of the centre off Green Lane, and reveal the plans for it, including a suggestion to rename it.

Cllr Bannell added: “I hope as many people as possible will respond to the user survey. It will be an excellent way to express your views and it will be an enormous help to the Community First team.”

Community First chief executive Tim Houghton told residents: “We are delighted to be working with the council and are excited by the opportunity to create and manage a vibrant hub on behalf of local residents.

“We look forward to welcoming you all to the centre and would very much like your thoughts and views on what you would like to see at it.

“We’ll keep you all informed as our exciting reopening plans develop, and will be asking for your help and support with a number of volunteer roles.”

The offer remains in place for the centre to be used, when required, as a Covid mobile testing site until the handover to Community First.