It's all go for Trees' new learning centre in Bognor Regis

It had been feared the scheme in North Bersted would be scuppered by the conditions of the grant from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which meant the money would have to be paid back if the facility ever changed use.

But an agreement has been reached with Arun District Council and the LSC that the 64,000 grant will have to be paid back only if the facility changes use within its first five years.

The plan is to convert the disused restaurant at Bersted Green Court in Durlston Drive to create a learning centre for the community.

Leader of the council Gillian Brown said: "Thanks to the flexibility of the LSC and our good working relationship with them, we are now able to press ahead with these exciting new plans for Bersted Green Court."

Arun's Local Strategic Partnership worked with the Council for Voluntary Service Arunwide to secure funding for the centre from the LSC.

It will provide a large open-plan area for managed group activities and an IT suite with computer terminals.

The facilities could also be used to hold community meetings and workshops with groups such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, and Police Community Support Officers holding drop-in surgeries.

The new facilities at the centre will include office space, which will be used by community workers and three health trainers who are being funded by the Primary Care Trust.

In June this year residents of Bersted Green Court and surrounding areas had the chance to comment on the plans and put forward ideas for the types of courses and activities they would like to see at the centre.

Suggestions included basic IT skills, gentle exercise classes and advice on staying safe. Further consultation will take place later in the year to help finalise what the centre will offer.

Mrs Brown added: "There is a definite need for this facility on the Trees Estate as there is not currently a building for community learning activities.

"The centre will be a valuable community-based training venue, where residents of all ages can learn useful things that will help them in their day to day lives, from how to use a mobile phone to improving their general health through exercise.

"I hope local residents will take advantage of this new facility and find it a valuable addition to their community."

The learning centre would be the first community facility on the Trees estate, recognised as a deprived area with low levels of education and skills, since it was built some 35 years ago.

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