YOUTHS banned from a community centre will be allowed back now that an £8,000 refurbishment is finished.

Cawdor Residents Association in Farnworth shut its youth club after a group of children ripped down shutters at a Halloween party last year.

Since then Doe Hey Community Building off Cawdor Avenue, also known as the pavilion, has undergone a revamp and leaders have decided to give the young people another chance.

The association has been storing around £2,500 worth of equipment including karaoke and DJ equipment which it had bought for the youngsters.

Treasurer Tom Gears said: "A small group was responsible for the vandalism but we had to shut the youth club as a punishment.

"Since then we have been busy with the refurbishment work but now it's done we are willing to give the youth club another chance.

"Hopefully they will be sensible and the youth club can carry on."

A £7,000 Community Capital Grant from the Little Hulton and Farnworth Partnership has paid for upgrades to the kitchen, toilets and main function room.

A further £900 grant paid to install CCTV and security lighting at the centre which others groups including Doe Hey Bowling Club also use.

Cllr Noel Spencer, joint chair of the Partnership's Joint Steering Committee, said the centre was looking for funding for further work. "I wish them all the best, and anticipate a bright future for this thriving community."

A date has not been set for when the youth club will reopen but the club's fundrising Friday night bingo sessions will start again from February 8.