WORK is set to begin on a million-pound centre to serve young people in two Gwent communities.

Magor Undy Sports and Leisure Association (MUSLA), a committee of residents and politicians, are pushing ahead with plans for the new centre.

Monmouthshire council granted outline planning permission for the centre at the Three Fields site along the B4245 in Undy. MUSLA estimate it will cost between one and one and a half million pounds to build the centre.

The centre could include a bowling area, basketball court, stage, changing facilities, catering facilities and a youth room.

It will be a multi-functional facility for sports, arts and educational use, with parking for 100 cars.

Councillor Brian Burt said: "This area has seen a tremendous population growth in the past 15 years. There are new housing estates in the area and the infrastructure has failed to keep up with the growth.

"The houses brought children to the area and we have nothing for them. "We have outline planning permission and we have adequate funding to start building the infrastructure of the building itself. We are on target to start work this year."

MUSLA are now seeking volunteers to come forward to help. Councillor Burt said: "We need volunteers who can actively bring skills into the scheme to come forward and see what grant they may be eligible for. This will obviously help to finance equipping the centre. It could also mean the difference between needing to spend £1million or £2 million."

Councillor Olive Evans is also a keen supporter of the initiative. She said: "My husband first tried to get a community centre here 18 years ago. Gwent council bought land for development and made huge profits, but didn't put anything back.

"I welcome the idea with open arms. It has been such a long time coming."

If you can help call Brian Burt on 01633 889254, Kevin Maris on 01633 880516, or Frank Miles on 01633 882316.