MEMBERS and users of the Mount Pleasant Centre and Social Club in Bradford on Avon are to be asked what improvements they would like to see.

Trustees are planning to ask people for their views in a bid to attract a younger membership and inject fresh thinking into fundraising campaigns.

Cllr Mike Roberts, who is a trustee, said part of their aim is to attract new members and users to take the centre and the club forward. The trustees need to raise £70,000 in order to make further improvements to the building, once the Christ Church School.

He said: “There is a lot of opportunity here but it needs a bit of new thinking. A lot of people don’t know about the centre and the club so we need to get a wider exposure.”

Derek Robins, chairman of the trustees, said they would like more individuals, organisations and groups to use the Grade 2 listed centre, whose room booking rates at £11 per hour are among the cheapest in the town.

He said: “We are trying to encourage the wider public to take advantage of its full range of existing excellent facilities on their doorstep, we also have plans to further improve going forward.

“The large rooms in the centre are ideal for children’s parties, especially at weekends, whilst membership of the club may bring new friends and interests to you in a very pleasant atmosphere.”

Although the trustees have spent more than £250,000 on the two premises, further improvements are needed to modernise the buildings. Keith Cottrell, of Project Lime Ltd architects in Bradford on Avon, has drawn up several plans, including a new kitchen to provide catering for activities and events.

The trustees are investigating their options to fund the improvements, which are likely to cost up to £70,000 to provide, including applying for grants and awards.

The centre recently obtained a small award from the Aviva Community Fund but failed to gain enough votes to win a £25,000 award from the fund.

To book space, please contact Jennifer Hazell on 01225 863860.