PEOPLE in Adlington cheered as building work finally began on a new community centre after seven years of campaigning.

The £500,000 project is part of a major housing development and is the product of a partnership between Chorley Borough Council and Fairview Youth and Community Association.

The purpose-built centre will cover 330 square feet on land off Highfield Road North and will feature a play area, a sports pitch and parking.

Funding has come from Chorley Council and construction company Westbury Homes, which was required to contribute towards a community facility as part of planning permission to build 170 houses on surrounding land.

Once completed, ownership of the centre will be retained by the council but it will be run by Fairview Youth and Community Association.

Local councillor Cath Hoyle said: "I am delighted work has now begun on the new youth and community centre.

"This project represents a particularly innovative partnership between the council, Westbury Homes, the Fairview Youth and Community Association, and local residents who have long campaigned for such a facility.

"People in the area wanted something that would benefit everyone in Adlington, particularly youngsters, and I feel sure this will provide a first rate facility which opens up a wealth of opportunities."

Andrea Barnard, chairman of Fairview Youth and Community Association, said: "Our aim is to concentrate on primarily providing activities for young people, although the centre is being built for the benefit of the whole community and will hopefully be used by as many people as possible.

"We have been working alongside the council for many years to help develop something of this nature and are thrilled that those plans are finally coming to fruition. The facility is excellent news for everyone in Adlington."

Work on building the centre is expected to take 25 weeks.