A CWMBRAN community hub that was saved from closure last year is having an open day to gather views from the public.

The Woodland Road Sports and Social Centre in Croesyceiliog faced the axe as Torfaen council moved to save £11 million as part of radical cost-cutting measures in March last year. But Torfaen council cabinet later agreed to lease the hub, and the Woodland Road Community Trust officially took over the reins of the social centre from August.

The charity consists of a partnership between Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council, the Woodland Road Sports Association as well as user groups and local residents.

Speaking on behalf of the trustees, Alastair McDougall, explained that said the open day on Sunday , April 19, from 11am to 1pm, is an invitation to the community to say what they would like to see happening and even volunteer. He explained that before the trust took over the running of the centre, it had to prepare a business plan.

He said: “The good news is that the results to date are consistently better than those forecasts. There is more income and the costs are lower than we planned for in our budgets.”

Mr McDougall said that they have a dedicated staff team, led by manager, Melanie Mercer, with a reception desk that is open every morning, which he said is having the biggest positive impact.

“If anyone wants to enquire about making a booking for a family party or a function, there is a quick response, and there are more party bookings being made,” he said.

He said creating their own website has also helped boost bookings.

The centre is the home to Croesyceiliog RFC, AFC and bowls club and is regularly used by over 20 different organisations.

The main hall can hold up to 200 people and holds many regular classes including a slimming group, Zumba, and dancing and there are also privately held events.

But he said: “There are still gaps in the programme and our meeting rooms are under-used.”

During the open morning, people can looks at the facilities on offer and make suggestions, or even volunteer to take up tasks such as painting inside the centre or help with a project to launch a coffee bar.

For more information visit www.woodlandroadtrust.org.uk