A YOUTH centre has been refurbished in Croesyceiliog thanks to the generosity of councillors.

Croesyceiliog Youth Centre was given £100 by each of the three ward councillors to help lift morale at the site following a couple of break-ins in recent years.

Youngsters carried out a short consultation on design and colours before carrying out the work themselves.

An official opening ceremony was held at the centre last week, which is a Torfaen Youth Service provision based at Croesyceiliog School.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: “The young people chose the colour scheme, the furnishings and worked hard to redecorate the space. As a result they agree this has lifted their spirits and the staff are extremely proud of how they project managed the renovation. ButWithout help and support from local councillors and community support groups the project would not have been possible.”

Centre user Evan Harbour said: “Now my friends and I feel like we can go in the room and relax, it feels more comfortable and it has our own mark on it.”

Cllr Richard Clarke, who put forward the money with Cllr Nigel Davies and Cllr Veronica Crick, said: “In January we received a letter from a member of the youth club following a break-in where equipment had been stolen and the club had been vandalised. But this has not deterred them. youth workers and users from carrying on. We hope to be able to offer more support in the new financial year.”

Helen Taylor of Hair by Helen Pontypool also donated a sofa to the centre.

The youth centre is open on Monday 4:30pm to 5:30pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm for ages 11plus; on Tuesday from 6pm to 8:30pm for young people with additional needs aged 16 plus; and

Wednesday for Duke of Edinburgh from 5:30pm to 7:30pm aged 14plus.

New members are welcome on Mondays after 5.30pm.