LONGBARN residents turned out in force last week to celebrate the official opening of their new community lodge on Pasture Lane.

Mayor Sheila Woodyatt and Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, were there for the opening ceremony to unveil the plaque and a special logo designed by Dominique Vernon, a pupil from Longbarn County Primary School.

Representatives from each of the partnerships involved in the project Warrington Borough Council, the Tudor Trust grants committee, the parish council, Muir Housing and Hazlewoods Foods joined residents for the launch.

Clr Mike Howard said: "This is a multi-purpose centre for the whole of Longbarn, not just this estate. It is there to serve everybody.

"This is something that is unique to this area a partnership between the private sector and the community."

Plans for the centre include courses provided in partnership with Warrington Collegiate Institute, and regular surgeries held by police, councillors and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Residents will also be able to access the North East Credit Union through the lodge.

Throughout the opening day, a steady flow of residents dropped into the centre to find out more about its facilities.

And to encourage community action, at the next meeting of the residents' association, members of the committee will be working on dates for regular meetings every month.

Clr Howard added: "Anybody can come along to these meetings. They're completely informal and provide a chance for residents to air their views on anything that concerns them."

This Sunday, March 11, a table top sale will be held at the centre. For further information about courses or activities at the centre, call Clr Howard on 837622.