A GARDEN is under construction at a community centre.

Hexham Community Centre aims to open its new purpose-built community garden this summer.

Chairperson of the Trustees at Hexham Community Centre, Stephen Ball, explained the trustees have had the ambition to expand the community centre for some time.

The space where the garden is being built was previously wasteland.

Northumberland County Council provided some funding.

Councillor Trevor Cessford, of Hexham Central with Acomb and civic head of Northumberland, also helped secure funding for the project.

Cllr Cessford said: "The community centre remains one of the jewels in Hexham's crown and I am more than happy to support the project with a grant from my Member's Allowance.

"This increased area of development will be a welcome extension to the work offered by the centre," he said. 

The centre's playgroup will be able to use the garden to play when the weather is warm enough and will provide more space for Hexham Youth Initiative.

Mr Ball said the centre's user groups had been consulted on what they wanted.

Most people said they wanted outdoor space to be able to sit outside in sunny weather.

The garden will be free to use but will need to be booked at reception.

Mr Ball added: "This will be an important additional community asset to Hexham. 

"The garden will provide a great space for our playgroup, Hexham Youth Initiative and other community groups. It is part of our ambitious plan to increase the usage of the centre."