A dedicated team of young people from the Community Payback programme has been helping to transform the grounds of Fanshawe Community Centre, breathing new life into an area that had become overgrown and neglected. 

Over several weeks, the team has carried out extensive clearance work, tackling overgrown trees and bushes that had become difficult to control by hard working volunteers at the centre.

Since beginning work in August, the Community Payback team has been working at the front entrance and central garden areas of the community centre car park. The project is one of the largest and most physically demanding undertaken by the team to date.

With restoration quotes ranging between £3,000 and £5,000, the Community Payback team stepped in to carry out the work at no cost, even providing specialist equipment needed to complete the project.

The team, made up of around 10 young people, has already made significant progress, with further work due to continue in the coming weeks. Plans are also being explored for the group to help redecorate the interior of the centre once new leaseholders are in place, delivering further savings that can be reinvested into the facility.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "This project is a fantastic example of Community Payback delivering real benefits for local residents while giving young people the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community.

"The transformation of the grounds at Fanshawe Community Centre has already made a huge difference and demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together. I would like to thank the entire Community Payback team for their hard work, dedication and commitment to improving the area. It starts here.”

Residents are already beginning to see the difference the project is making, with the once-overgrown area being transformed into a cleaner, more welcoming space for the local community.