STAFF and volunteers at GL11 Community Hub in Cam are celebrating after they were awarded the security of a 15 year lease – allowing them to receive a £30,000 grant to spruce up the centre.

The centre was trying to obtain the money from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust to upgrade their building but needed the security of a longer lease – which Gloucestershire County Council promptly provided.

The grant is being put to good use already – focussing on insulation and access to ensure anybody can enter the building and remain warm once they’re inside.

Manager Indigo Redfern is thrilled with the latest developments and heartened by the support of the county council.

She said: “Getting this new lease really gives us the opportunity to do so much more at the hub.

“It lets us know that we now have the county council’s commitment to what we’re doing here and their support will go a long way in helping this community asset.”

In addition to insulation in the walls and roof and additional disabled access in the back of the building, GL11 Community Hub have a range of other changes in store.

New double glazed windows have also been put in place around the back of the building, preventing draft and providing a sleeker look.

The ever popular community cafe now has a new section of chairs and tables outside in time for the warm summer months.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said, “We’re delighted to extend the lease at Cam’s GL11 Community Hub for a further 15 years. This has allowed GL11 to secure a £30,000 grant from Environmental Trust which has funded replacement double glazed doors and windows, an insulation upgrade and new access ramps.

"The reception areas will also be opened up and cycle racks will be installed. A new look will be given to the front of the building and a system will be put in to control the heating throughout.”

Phil Sullivan, a consultant for the office of the police and crime commissioner, recently paid a visit to the hub to see how they were getting on.

The office of Gloucestershire’s PCC has, for two years running, provided a grant of £10,000 to GL11 as part of its 'Older but not Overlooked' scheme, which aims to build a network of community support for the more vulnerable members of our society.

Mr Sullivan said: “GL11 Community Hub is really good for the community here, particularly with their focus on older people and those with disabilities.

“It’s just this kind of thing that we want to encourage with our grant in the hope it will see people fall victim to crime less often.”

Find out more about the hub by visiting www.gl11.org.uk.