A major improvement programme is back under way at Castle Douglas Community Centre as it recovers ground lost through two years of Covid-enforced disruption.
Dozens of local groups had been using the Cotton Street premises as a base for activities before the pandemic hit – and only now are numbers and confidence returning to something approaching pre-pandemic levels.
The upturn has come as a welcome relief to the community-run centre which, like all others, has been hard hit by months of inactivity.
Now chairman of the board of trustees David Young is looking forward to better, greener times as projects are rekindled.
He told the News: “We have started developing a community garden for user groups including the day centre, the adult resource centre and the Better Lives Partnership, who use one of the rooms.
“Our longer term aim is to open it up to wider community use.
“One of our driving forces in creating the garden is recycling – our flower displays are in recycled plastic feed tubs and we will be using recycled materials for the base of the paths.
“Also, we replaced our night storage heaters last year, reducing our electricity consumption by £4,200 per year.
“We will also replacing the boilers – so we are doing our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and help the environment.”
Project co-ordinator Anne McEwan said: “Better Lives Partnership is delighted to be partnering with The Zone, Castle Douglas Community Centre on the creation of a community garden in Castle Douglas.
“The funding we have received from the Holywood Trust and the Co-op means that we will be able to create a secure space which our young people will be able to enjoy alongside other community groups.”
Meanwhile, Mr Young said with new developments getting back on track a few extra pairs of hands would be welcome.
He said: “We have got planning permission to put in our lift which will give us disabled and all access to eight rooms in the main building.
“At the moment we only have a chair lift but I can run faster than it – and that’s saying something.
“We are still awaiting the building warrant and thereafter we are looking at spring 2023 for a completion date.
“Now we are looking for additional trustees to join the board.
“Because of our lift and various other things in the pipeline I would like anybody with an interest in the community to come and talk to me.
Mr Young can be contacted via the centre at 01556 50 4879 or info@cdzone.org
