SO, the new community centre in the heart of Worcester - between Stanley Road and Midland Road - has finally been built.

Residents have waited a dozen years for the project to come to fruition and, sadly, there will be those who, having initially backed the idea, have long since left the area, or been drained of any enthusiasm they once had.

But, now is not the time to dwell on any negatives. It is time to applaud those that have driven this centre forward and ensured its completion.

It would have been easy to let the idea slide once problems began to surface - such as the struggle to find a suitable location in what is a very built-up residential area.

But, to the credit of the city council, which has funded the new centre, it was never forgotten and is now ready for use.

With a large and small hall - including a place for teenagers to meet up - as well as a toddlers' play area, meeting rooms and a "kickabout zone" outside, the centre should have something for everyone.

And that is the point - for the centre to be the focal point for the surrounding community, it must be available to, and used by, as many people as possible.

To have the building is fantastic - but it will be the people inside it that make it a success.

In the words of the Mayor, Coun Allah Ditta: "It's a place for groups to come together ... to work towards a vibrant multi-cultural community to the benefit of all."

We are sure it will do just that.