THE doors have opened on Dartmouth Town Council's big community project at Ivy Lane.

After months of negotiation and hard work, the revamped youth centre – complete with pool tables, table tennis and table air hockey – is now up and running.

The town council has taken over the centre from Devon County Council that had earmarked the youth club for the axe under cost cutting measures.

Councillors are anxious to secure youth provision in the town and there are plans to bus youngsters in from outlying districts to club evenings.

It is also hoped to open the centre up to wider community use and the town's food bank already holds it popular cookery club there.

Speaking at last week's opening, county and district councillor Jonathan Hawkins said: 'We have been working since February on this but it's been a really good process and lots or organisations have got involved with it – the academy, Dart Trekkers and the churches – and I think it's a great thing for Dartmouth to achieve.

'It's been a real community effort and is very exciting for the future as a community facility.'

Town councillor David Gent added: 'I am delighted. Back in February, when this started, I never thought it would be achieved within a year.

'Having achieved it under a year is astonishing.

'The town can be very proud of it.'