A YOUTH Centre refurbished by volunteers has opened to the public.

The Bungalow, near the skate park at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, has reopened to youngsters ready for the summer holidays.

Previously managed by Legacy XS, the centre was taken over by the Canvey Youth Project last month.

Volunteers from the project and Castle Point Council worked all last week to revamp it.

Youngsters can now enjoy the newly decorated centre, with new chairs, tables and wi-fi.

Manager Lindsey Smith, said: “We’ve had a refurb and already the kids have really taken ownership of it.

“They’ve drawn up their own set of rules and already have loads of ideas for what we can do.

“Already they think it’s great and they feel a part of it.

“This isn’t just about being next to the skatepark it’s about giving them somewhere to go.

“A lot of them don’t want to go to a club and be made to do an activity; this provides them with somewhere to hang out with their friends.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out. The number of people involved in putting this together was unbelievable.

“Waterside and Castle Point Council have been fantastic in their support in getting this together at short notice.”

Plans are already under way to open the centre up to young parents during term time, setting up a job and an after school club as well as working with youth workers to mentor youngsters.

Tom Skipp, councillor responsible for the environment and leisure, added: “I am delighted the Bungalow was reopened at the weekend following its refurbishment.

My thanks to everyone for their outstanding efforts to get it open in time for the school holidays.”