AN unused sports pavilion could provide a group of Herefordians with the community centre they have long desired.

After a meeting at the St Francis Church Hall, Newton Farm and Belmont residents hope the empty and derelict building off Northolme Road can be converted into a new facility soon.

Hereford's South Wye community has long been searching for a place to call home and believe they have found the perfect place.

Although the empty shell, which stands alone in the middle of a field, has no plastering or wiring, those who attended the meeting are optimistic for progress.

Howard Owens, who works at the Newton Farm Advice Centre, said: "At the moment the building is lying unused and is a real waste."

Potential

"It has enormous potential and if money comes through from Tesco then we should be able to start work soon and open the centre in the new year."

As is the case for the proposed social club on the old Vortex site, residents will have the ultimate say in how the building is used.

"The Goodrich Grove social club is another issue entirely and is a long-term project on a much bigger scale," explained Mr Owens. "The Northolme pavilion will be smaller, but people have already put forward many ideas for its use, including a creche, a tea room, a bingo hall, and a scrabble club."

Meanwhile, the name of the Newton Farm Advice Centre is to be changed for legal requirements.

The Oval-based office will now be known as the Newton Farm Information Centre.