MP visits youth centre project in Chertsey

The £140,000 project was taken on by Jubilee Church who base themselves at The Chertsey Hall in Heriot Road.

After six months of work from almost 40 volunteers, the building is expected to open next month.

The venue will be the new home of CORE, the Friday night youth club formerly located at Walton Youth Centre.

Jubilee Church leader Adrian Heywood said: "CORE is going to be the main attribute for The Hub, we want to give kids from Chertsey somewhere wholesome to go on a Friday night.

"But we will be providing counselling for young men and women dealing with unexpected pregnancy."

"There will also be a mums and toddlers group, where stressed out mums can have a coffee and let their kids play in a safe environment.

The church has worked in partnership with Surrey Vinvolved, the Surrey volunteering scheme for 16-25 year-olds who have provided volunteers and support for the project.

West Surrey manager of Surrey Vinvolved Ester Nash, 26, said: "I'm really excited about the potential impact of this place on the community.

"It will be a place where young people can engage with their skills and give them somewhere to belong to.

MP for Runnymede Philip Hammond, who visited the site for the first time on Friday afternoon, said: "It's a great thing, that building has been sitting there doing nothing for such a long time.

"It is fantastic that self motivated young people are taking a lead and running this project.

"It's great seeing it all coming together, I look forward to attending the opening."