Former pigsty in Stratton Strawless transformed into new community facility

The Peter Waller Bowling and Activity Centre at Stratton Strawless. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: (C) JAMES BASS PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Peter Waller Bowling and Activity Centre is the result of 18 months hard work by a group of volunteers.

It is based at Woodland View Mobile Home Park, off Cromer Road, and is named after the former landowner who died before the centre's completion.

The facility officially opens on Saturday, May 27, with guest Jonathan Wills from ITV Anglia News cutting the ribbon.

It was made possible by residents Dianne and Alan Johns, Peter Warvill, Mark Jermy, Terry Downs and Harry Leggett,

Mrs Johns said: 'We'd all been playing bowls on the grass at the mobile home park for about three years.

'When the money came along, I laughed and said 'we could have a proper bowling green and a centre for people to use'. Of course everyone said 'that would be great – go on then'.'

The project received a community grant of more than £1,000 from Broadland District Council, which helped pay for plumbing, lighting, plastering, paving slabs at the installation of a septic tank.

'It was quite hard going at times – there were a few tears but also a few laughs along the way,' said Mrs Johns.

'It's been hard work but it's been really worthwhile and the grant money has made such a difference.'

Stuart Clancy, portfolio holder for economic development at Broadland District Council, said: 'This group of hard-working volunteers are a testament to our district.

'They have brought a great community facility to an area with many older residents who will benefit from not only the exercise but the social contact the centre provides.'

• The Peter Waller Bowling and Activity Centre open at 11am on May 27. Everyone is welcome to attend.