A LONG-AWAITED youth facility has been officially opened in Bramley – to the delight of local residents.

The facility, in Minchens Lane, has been years in the pipeline. It cost about £320,000 to build and was funded through developers’ contributions which were put aside specifically for young people in the village.

The land on which it was built was donated by Bramley group Clift Meadow Trust, whose members have worked with the parish council and the borough council to deliver the scheme.

Bramley parish councillor Janet Grieve, who was among those who worked on the project, said the opening of the building is great news for Bramley.

She said: “We didn’t have anywhere specifically for young people in the village, so this is a great thing for the area. It has been talked about for many years, and it is really good to see it open.

“Cllr Chris Holland, who was chairman of the parish council, has been a real driving force, as has Simon Gill, chair of Clift Meadow Trust.

“The youth club will meet there twice a week, and a martial arts group will also train there. There are also other groups who meet there, not only youth groups.”

The building includes a café, kitchen and office, and has been designed with young people in mind. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Roger Gardiner, who cut the ribbon, watched by his Mayoress wife Tricia, dancers from Petite School of Dancing, and members of martial arts club Shoot Box Juniors.

The official opening followed a day of fun with activities for children, including a martial arts masterclass, a Santa’s grotto and a bouncy castle. During the evening, there was a fundraising supper and a disco.

Cllr Grieve said: “It was a really nice way to officially open the building, and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”