The future of two community rooms in Wymondham has been secured after a group of volunteers came forward to take over the day to day running of them.

Fears were raised earlier this year that the Silfield Community Resource Centre could be closed and turned into housing.

But a volunteer group has pledged to breathe new life into the facility after a new management committee was formed to keep the rooms open.

The building in Green Lane, Wymondham, which is owned by Saffron Housing Trust, was at risk of being converted into flats after the previous management committee stepped down.

A small group of residents have responded to the call to manage the community rooms, which will be renamed the Silfield Centre. Work has begun to spruce up the building, including a new lick of paint and outside turf, for its grand reopening on Saturday, September 3.

Duncan Stallard, chairman of the newly formed Silfield Residents' Action Committee, said they would were keen to get more clubs and organisations involved in using the previously 'uncared for' space. He added that there were plans for a community drop-in coffee shop at the centre.

'A lot of people did not know where it was, but I was talking to the previous chairman and it used to have a buzzing youth group and used to be a hive of activity.'

'It is early days, but by advertising it better and making sure the paperwork is tip-top, we can hopefully get it used on a regular basis. The resource centre is for all the community and we want to arrange events that will appeal to a wide range of people,' he said.

The other officers of the action committee are vice-chairman Paul Christian, secretary Melissa Jolley and treasurer Rachel James.

An open day will take place between 2pm and 6pm on September 3.

Anyone wishing to get involved is asked to contact Mr Stallard by email on duncansrac@live.co.uk or Rachel James at little_one_rach@hotmail.co.uk