A REVAMPED community centre has been given a seal of approval from civic leaders.

Members of staff from Westside Community Centre, in Paddock Road, South Ham, Basingstoke, opened the doors to the newly-refurbished community centre following a grant from Hampshire County Council.

The community centre was awarded £72,500 from the local authority to fund the improvements, including new flooring in the main hall and divider doors, which will allow the Westside Pre-school to take up to 16 two-year-olds.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner and Tricia Gardiner, were among guests who were given a tour of the new facilities, and the Mayor officially opened the new-look building.

Owner of the pre-school, Nicola Skeats, told The Gazette: “On the day, we had the Mayor, local councillors and people from Hampshire County Council representing the early years team, because that is where the grant came from.

“Two-year-olds need a lot more love and affection than three-year-olds.

“Three-year-olds are getting to the independent stage.

“When the early years people came in and looked at what has been done, she said she felt that she was in a fairyland and how beautiful it was, and that was quite a big compliment.”

Nicola added: “The Mayor thought it was great and he couldn’t believe how much space there was and what a wonderful idea it was to give two-year-olds this support.

“The children have all settled really well. They love all the new space. Everything is at a low level and we have special tables, bean bags and lots of soft furnishings. It also gave us the opportunity to employ three local people who now have jobs here.”