NEW life is being breathed back into a Milford Haven community centre that has lain empty for more than six years.

The Mount Community Centre - formerly the Orchard Family Centre - will open its doors to the public this Saturday (January 20), thanks to a new group led by vicar Father Harri Williams.

Father Harri said he was approached by a resident 18 months ago, asking if anything could be done to re-open the centre, which closed in 2011.

Working with non-profit youth organisation Young Life International, Father Harri was able to purchase the lease from the county council, and picked up the keys just before Christmas.

County council chairman Cllr Paul Harries will officially open the centre at 11am on Saturday, with a family fun day taking place between 11am and 2pm.

A week of activities, including a coffee club, children’s activities, family bingo and a men’s group, will follow.

“The hope is that we can give something back to the community, to an estate that’s basically lost its whole heart,” said Father Harri.

“The loss of the Mount school was substantial, people used it as more than just a school, it was a central place to meet.

“The shop is now the only facility they have left, and I think that’s pretty appalling.

“The fact it’s stayed unused for five or six years and nothing has been touched shows there was a respect for it as a centre,” he said.

Continued Father Harri: “Our intention is to build up use of the centre gradually by different groups.”

Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing Team is hoping to run a regular drop-in centre, and Young Life International and Plant Dewi will provide sessions for young people and parents.

Father Harri said it was also vital the church stepped up to help local people.

“From my perspective as vicar, for a long time the church has not done enough for people on this estate, and that is shameful,” he said.

“This is an attempt to redress that.

“One of the most important things for me is being available to people.

“This is about providing a facility on one of the biggest estates in Milford Haven.”

Suggestions for groups, clubs and events people would like to see at the centre, and donations to the Friends of the Mount group, are welcome.

“If someone wants to come and run a coffee morning or they have ideas, just give me a ring,” said Father Harri.

Sarah-Jane Howlin, who lives on the Mount, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic for the estate.

“The children around here will benefit so much, it’s what has been needed for years and will cater for all ages.

“Adults will also benefit from this and will be able to socialise more with the community

“I’m just hoping that enough people will come to the open day and continue to do so.”

Cllr Lynne Turner, another member of the new Friends of the Mount group, said: “I’m looking forward to growing the community side of the project and very pleased to be involved.”