A CHARITY has been given thousands of pounds to revamp part of a centre that has been left in a state of disrepair for years.

The changing rooms at the Clifton Centre – owned by Bicester Spiritualist Church – fell into disuse and have since been targeted by vandals.

The centre in Ashdene Road has been working to freshen up the place, which is used by various community groups. It has now been awarded a £20,000 grant from Viridor Credits.

Bicester Spiritualist Church secretary and centre manager Judith Plowman said: “Bicester Spiritualist Church is a charity and the main hall of the centre is used every day for various community groups such as Bicester History Society, yoga and Slimming World. Part of the building included changing rooms which are in a really, really desperate state.

“They just weren’t suitable for changing and showers and a risk assessment meant they had to be closed down. That was about two years ago.

“Since, we have been trying to raise the funds to do something but because we are a charity it is self-funding. We approached a number of places and Viridor Credits offered to help us.”

In the two years that the area has been out of use, the group has had to divide up the large main hall, which has not been suitable for many groups.

The refurbishment will create an office, two self-contained function rooms with kitchens, another function room, disabled toilet and each room with its own entrance.

Mrs Plowman added: “It just looks horrible. We have had to board up the windows outside because yobs were breaking in. We also tried to repaint the boards to blend in with the building but they were vandalised with graffiti too.

“It has meant that some people have just not been able to use the facilities.

“Our main hall is just too large so we have tried to divide it off with boards for small groups. Also it will make it more economical than opening up the whole building, with the cost of heating.

“We absolutely can’t believe it. We feel great and to be starting the work is just brilliant. It will be really nice to start taking bookings for it.”

The work started last Monday and is expected to last until the end of February.