A SUSTAINABLE future for the Ockment Centre in Okehampton moved a step closer this week, as vital building works look set to begin. One of the greatest and immediate concerns that has faced the Ockment Centre was the need to replace the original Victorian roof. Scaffolding has now been erected around the centre, so work to replace the roof can start. The Ockment Centre trustees have now secured funding for the coming financial year so they can continue to operate and provide a unique service to residents in Okehampton and the surrounding areas. Ockment centre manager, Lindsey Svensson, said: 'We are very relieved for all our staff, clients and everyone who supported us and allowed this to happen. 'We're still open at the moment, but we will be closed for a short period to allow the works to take place.' Judy Pride, chair of centre's board of trustees, said: 'This is the start of renovations and we're hoping people will be understanding while the works take place. 'The exciting part will be the work that is happening in the hall and the brand new kitchen which will make such a difference. When the work is complete we will be holding a special opening to thank all the wonderful people in Okehampton for their support.' The news that the building works are set to begin was welcomed by Okehampton mayor, Tony Leech. Cllr Leech said: 'It's extremely good news. I personally believe they will need more support because they are a true community centre. 'It is a service used by many small groups who cannot afford to pay commercial rates and local authorities should continue to help fund it.' After correspondence from the mayor, housing developer Barratts have agreed to give materials to the centre for the building works and involve their marketing department in promoting the centre. The Ockment Centre is the base for around 200 different community organisations. The centre's future was under threat last autumn, when Devon County Council decided not to site a proposed new children's centre at the Ockment, giving it viability into the next decade. However, news that the centre would close was greeted with outrage across Okehampton and the surrounding area, and many residents wrote to the county council to urge them to save the centre. In November, the county council agreed to give the centre a financial kick-start, providing £250,000 towards the cost of replacing the roof, together with a one-off payment of £25,000 and a tw year 'rent holiday'. West Devon Borough Council has pledged £10,000 towards the project, and Okehampton Town Council has offered a £5,000 annual grant, with Okehampton United Charities contributing a further £20,000 towards revenue costs. South West Regional Development Agency has also confirmed an offer of £100,000. Devon County Council leader Cllr Brian Greenslade said: 'This is a major step forward in a new lease of life for the Ockment Centre. We're delighted with the positive response from the local community, our partners in the district council and other local organisations and of course the trustees and managers in making this happen.' Okehampton county councillor Christine Marsh said: 'The Ockment Centre is a vital part of our community, the recognition of this by all the funding partners has been key to securing the future of the centre. We must not lose sight of this support which has been given in more ways than one. 'I will continue to help where I can to keep this facility.' Cllr James McInnes, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'This is a true community centre valued by not only residents of Okehampton but people living in the surrounding area too. 'We're delighted to assist at this important stage of the regeneration of the centre.' The work programme has been phased to coincide with the annual cycle of a rare colony of long-eared brown bats, which inhabit the eaves of the centre. The first phase will be carried out in an area away from the colony, under the watchful eye of bat expert John Kaczanow, while the second phase, to the area the bats inhabit, will be delayed until August, once the breeding season is over. The centre will be fully closed from the end of July and will re-open in October.
