A NEW community centre on a York estate is set to open its doors.

The Cambridge Street Residents' Association got the go-ahead from council planners in December to build the facility on a piece of derelict land off Holgate Road.

Association chairman Tony Richardson, who has led the campaign to get the centre approved, said it would become the hub of the community.

Elderly residents will use it to hold coffee mornings, games and bingo sessions, and it will also be used by mums and toddlers groups and for children's parties.

The centre - a ten-metre long portable building - is costing more than £11,000 to install and run for the next three years, with part of the funding being met by City of York Council.

"This is a major boost for the estate," Mr Richardson said. "It means elderly people will have somewhere to meet.

"We've shown a lot of determination in getting this for the estate - it means an awful lot to us.

"We're very pleased with the efforts of our councillors, Dave Merrett and Dave Evans. They played a big part in getting the centre approved."

PC David White, area ward manager, will use the centre as a surgery for residents to air their concerns.

"There are four or five local stalwarts on the estate who are trying to make the estate a better place to live for residents.

"I think the new centre is fantastic and I will certainly be making use of it.

"The sky is the limit for what can be done there."

The centre will be officially opened by the ward's three councillors on June 21 and several fundraising activities will take place.

Anyone wishing to donate money to the centre or who requires any information should contact Tony 07949435206.

Updated: 08:46 Tuesday, June 10, 2003