A COMMUNITY centre in Andover has received a £1,000 donation from a housebuilding company, to further develop its facilities for local people.

Persimmon Homes South Coast selected the Picket Twenty Community Centre to receive a donation through its Community Champions scheme, which supports organisations in the areas by where the company is building.

The community centre offers various events and services to all ages in the neighbourhood and the donation from Persimmon will allow the purchase of new furniture and additional equipment to improve the facility.

SEE ALSO: Community centre's new boss on a mission to 'bring more to Picket Twenty'

Ann Reeson, a trustee at Picket Twenty Community Centre, said: “We are so grateful for the kind donation from Persimmon Homes.

“Throughout lockdown we were able to turn some old tyres into planters, creating a tyre snake for the children to enjoy, as well as re-painting our outdoor furniture.

“Going into the summer months, we would love to purchase some outdoor umbrellas for the tables as well as some large outside games so that the community can have somewhere to all come together and meet.”

The donation will also help to replace old furniture in the hall and purchase cleaning equipment to allow the venue to be hired out for community events.

It comes after Persimmon's plans for a block of 18 flats on land proposed for community use in the same neighbourhood were rejected in January.

READ MORE: Plan for 18 flats in Picket Twenty rejected

Joe Lindsay, director in charge for Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “Our Community Champions scheme allows us to award donations to two local good causes each month, and we are always delighted to see the funding being used to make a great difference to local people.

“The Community Centre is a real asset for residents at Picket Twenty, so we are very pleased to be able to support the facilities.”

For more information about the scheme or to apply online, visit persimmonhomes.com/charity

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