SIX years after it was closed to the public, a community centre at the heart of the Mount estate has opened its doors once again.

The former Orchard family centre, owned by Pembrokeshire County Council, has been taken on by vicar Father Harri Williams, with support from Young Life International and town businesswoman Lynne Turner.

Council chairman Paul Harries cut the official ribbon this morning, welcoming the mayor of Milford Haven, town councillors, guests and - most importantly - local residents.

Children played games while parents mingled with various organisations who will be running clubs and events at the newly re-opened centre.

Among them were local PCSOs, who hope to run regular surgeries at the centre, and Plant Dewi, who will be offering parenting classes.

Also greeting visitors was a cloakroom full of winter coats, for those in need of an extra layer during the cold weather.

Said Cllr Harries: "Places like this are essential in a community, having a centre gives a community vitality.

"You need a place for people to gather and to have ownership of it.

"There's a lot of good in Milford Haven, a lot of people trying very hard - that's the Milford way.

"Let's hope it develops and people make good use of it."

Cllr Harries said that, with the local authority facing further austerity, now was the time for communities to step forward and look at partnering with the council on projects such as this.

"I think the council is very open to that, working together," he said.

Added mayor of Milford Haven Colin Sharp: "After six years of being closed, it is great to see this centre reopened.

"Projects like this are important in bringing communities together, offering services and a meeting place to discuss a range of topics.

"Let’s hope the Mount community gets behind it and the centre flourishes for years to come.”