Packmores residents have welcomed the decision by Warwick District Council to sign off a project that will see a new community centre built near to Priory Pools in Warwick. 

Cabinet members unanimously backed a plan for a new community building last month, some 18 years after the area was identified as needing support.

Local volunteers from the Priory Area Committee (PAC) currently run a small centre that helps people on the Packmores estate and residents in the surrounding area.

Mandy Burford, treasurer of PAC said: "Out of our small centre we are serving an area containing around 1,000 homes but barely has room for seven people to sit down.

"Despite this, a group of us are delivering services like our Packmores Pantry. With the cost of living crisis, there is an urgent need for a bigger space, and I am delighted the council has taken on this project."

Town councillor and PAC Chair, Cllr Simon Pargeter added: "I want to thank Warwick District Council, and particularly my fellow councillors Jim Sinnott, John Holland and Dave Skinner for supporting the bid for a new centre. 

"It has been a long time coming, but this is an important first step in providing the support our community deserves. 

"It will be a place to gather to celebrate as well as improve health and combat loneliness."

The district council has now signed off the start of a project and put aside £25,000 to carry out exploratory survey work. 

Cllr Jim Sinnott said: "This hub is needed by a community who have done so much on their own and don't just sit there and wait for things to happen. 

"This centre will support social and health needs as well as providing access to local services, reduce isolation and promote wellbeing."

Warwick and Leamington MP, Matt Western added: "This is a really important step in securing the community centre that Packmores so desperately needs. 

"I know how much work has been put into this project by the Priory Area Committee and the local Labour Councillors so am pleased to see these steps in the right direction. 

"I look forward to seeing how this progresses to ensure Packmores gets the facilities they deserve."