Building works are to start on a major refurbishment project at a Cannock town centre community centre this summer.

St Luke’s Church Centre in Church Street will be closed for six weeks from Monday, July 20, for phase one of the project to get underway. The toilets will be revamped with a separate disabled loo created.

The entrance will be upgraded and alterations will be made to the office. In the interim, the office will be relocated close to the church and will remain open.

Church services and other activities will continue as normal. Other users of the centre will be relocated in other church halls to accommodate their bookings.

The work is part of a £500,000 project which suffered a cash blow last February after two major spon- sors, expected to stump up £400,000, pulled out.

Around £120,000 has so far been raised through grants and through the church.

Centre booking secretary Janet Isitt said: “We now have enough money to start phase one and it is good news that it is getting off the ground.

“We want to say a big thankyou to all those involved in the fundraising effort.

“It is a popular facility for the local community and we have a lot of groups, including those for various disabilities use it.

“Hopefully, when people can see we have upgraded a bit, then there will be more people wanting to help us.”

The next priorities are the roof, which occasionally leaks, and the kitchen.

Anyone who would like more information on the centre refurbishment project should call George Joynson on 01543 462007 or e-mail StLukesmag@deerbahn.co.uk

The church is also asking for support with its blue bag scheme, whereby donations of good quality second-hand clothes, belts, handbags, curtains and shoes can be made.

The blue bags are available from the church now and should be returned by May 17. To have them collected, call 01543 465562. Normal black bin bags can also be used.