A COMMUNITY centre has celebrated the renovation of its building as a hub for Rhyl.

The ASK Centre, belonging to the United Church on the town’s Water Street, received £700,000 in funding, including a substantial a grant under the Welsh Governments community facilities programme, which supports locally-based initiatives that help to strengthen cohesive communities.

The funding has resulted in a complete refurbishment of the premises for the centre.

Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Communities and Children joined Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones to celebrate the renovation and an official launch was held, with more than 400 people attending.

Ms Jones said: “It’s always a pleasure to see Welsh Government ministers come to the Vale of Clwyd and on this occasion it was an opportunity for Carl Sargeant to see the outcome of the project which I’m sure will be a valuable asset for Rhyl.

“I was particularly pleased to see the ASK centre displaying a good strong partnership with the CAB, and its good they can continue to deliver these vital services in the heart of Rhyl.

“During this visit I was delighted the minister, Carl Sargeant, was able to announce the next round of community facilities monies.

“I am pleased the Government is able to continue to invest in these initiatives even though public finances are often stretched”

ASK centre spokesman Eunice Parry, said: “The ASK Centre brings together five strands of work including Denbighshire Citizen’ Advice, who will now be much better placed to help the many clients that use their service.

“Alongside DCA’s work, we are developing a food bank to provide emergency food parcels sufficient for 24 hours.

“Our newly-created first floor houses a digital gateway computer suite.

“This will allow people who don’t have a computer the opportunity to access the many forms and advice found only on the internet. Our impressive new facilities include a fully-equipped kitchen, a lift, and various rooms available for hire, which we’re hoping will help develop a thriving community in this part of Rhyl.

“We hope that as we work alongside other agencies. The new centre will help to tackle poverty and deprivation in this community.

“The United Church in Rhyl are delivering this project because we believe that Jesus wants to build His Kingdom of peace and prosperity here in Rhyl.”

Minister Paul Robinson said: “This centre will be vital for tackling poverty in Rhyl.

“The opening was a day of great celebration and joy and if anyone would like to visit the centre they are more than welcome.

”For the food bank project we are working in conjunction with the King Store House – if people get referred it can take a small amount of time for the food bank to respond, so our project will provide a service that will give people 24 hours worth of food until they are able to receive the support they need.”

The Welsh Governments community facilities programme awarded the project £438,194; the United Reformed Church and Presbyterian Church of Wales (the denominations to which the church belong) jointly awarded £142,000; The James Pantyfedwen Foundation donated £6,000; The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has resulted in a reimbursement on the majority of the VAT as a grade II listed building (approx. £117,000).