BUILDERS and decorators are gearing up for hard toil at a busy community centre in Rubery.

The village youth and community centre scooped around £10,000 to improve its building and facilities.

The New Road centre is owned and managed by the Worcestershire County Council Youth Service but provides a base for many community groups.

Thanks to several cash injections the leaky roof is being repaired, the hall and social area will be refurbished and sectioned off, the coffee bar and garden room will be improved and plans are afoot to create a youth zone complete with information for young people and internet access.

The building's interior and exterior will also get a makeover and the oil heating will be replaced with a gas system.

Cash has been derived from three sources; central government grants, the county council's budget and fundraising.

County youth officer and best value and development officer, Terry Denslow, hopes the extra funds will benefit a cross section of the village population.

"Although we don't run the site as a community centre we do encourage the community to take advantage of any spare capacity we have," he said.

"Unfortunately, we're very short staffed but the centre manager, Kim Caves, is doing an excellent job."

He confirmed the authority is in talks with Bromsgrove District Council about further funding opportunities.

Labour councillor Peter McDonald represents Rubery on the district and county councils.

He was delighted about the refurbishment but said further investment from both authorities is needed if the centre is to continue to serve young and old.

Cllr McDonald claims that use by parish groups has plummeted because prices for room hire have increased and there are less staff to deal with the bookings.

To hire a room at the centre call Sue Tominski on 01527 595036.