A COMMUNITY organisation has signed a 10 year lease with Dudley Council to manage and run Halesowen Youth Centre.

The Halesowen and Dudley Yemeni Community Association, which only recently opened a new £1 million base in Highfield Lane, will manage the running of the centre for the next decade as bosses aim to build a partnership with the local community.

Marwan Bakaili, chairman of association, said: “We are very pleased to have now taken on the centre from the council.

“The aim of the association is to improve the service for Halesowen township and the surrounding areas. We have an open door and all communities are welcome to use the Halesowen Youth Centre.

“The association will be re-flooring and painting the youth centre to improve the facilities for the users and we will open the hiring of the youth centre for all of the local community.

“We have a great, diverse community here in Halesowen and I welcome any local group to get in touch.”

Mr Bakaili said the centre will also be available for youth clubs, children’s birthday parties, martial arts and sports clubs, mobile day care and nurseries, homework clubs, workshops, conferences and meetings.

To enquire about using the centre call Mr Bakaili on 07855 019961 or email info@yca-halesowen.org.uk.