Centre opens with cup of tea (From Free Press Series)

Centre opens with cup of tea

THE new look TRAC/RISE Learning Satellite Centre was officially unveiled at a special ceremony last week.

Centre users, volunteers and distinguished guests, including Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, Mayor of Torfaen Cllr Lyn Irwin and AM Lynne Neagle, attended the launch to enjoy tea and cake while getting their first glimpse at the building's makeover.

The resource and activity centre has undergone a £13,000 refurbishment thanks to funding from RISE, Torfaen Council and the Pontypool Christian Support Group.

It has been fitted with broadband internet access and offers a base for internet skills and IT literacy classes to be held. The centre also has improved facilities for people with disabilities, a revamped kitchen and decorated caf area with extra seating.

Stuart Ashley, TRAC coordinator, welcomed everybody to the official opening.

He said: "Two years it has taken to achieve this. People kept asking me when it was going to be done and I hope that now it is completed people will call in to enjoy a cup of tea and a learning experience."

Cllr Lyn Irwin praised the organisations behind the centre for the services they offer. "I am very pleased to be here to see the refurbishment that has been achieved by this collaborative effort.

"We are looking forward to re-establishing the facility for everyone who uses and enjoys it, this is a wonderful community enterprise," he said.