A community centre has officially opened its doors and is already a huge success.

Long Meadows Community Centre in Dovercourt has been open for more than a year and many groups use it regularly.

Yesterday the £450,000 centre was officially opened by Harwich MP Ivan Henderson

It had been due to be launched by Richard Caborn, the minister for culture, media and sport, but due to the cabinet re-shuffle last week, he was unavailable.

Mr Henderson said he was pleased to be able to open the centre, as he had understood how badly the new facility was needed.

The Harwich and District Community Association had been using Long Meadows for more than 25 years.

Thanks to a £313,875 Lottery grant, it was able to replace the old building with a new one.

Inside the centre is a main hall, second meeting room, fully-equipped kitchen, a bar and storage rooms.

Hearing loops, low-level plug sockets and full disabled access is also there.

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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