How Chesterfield community centre was transformed in DIY SOS-style event

The trust running Loundsley Green Community Centre has taken over the ex-vicarage and garden next door – and aims to turn it into a social enterprise centre for people in the area to enjoy.

It will be named ‘The Green’ and is set to be launched over the next few months.

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Last weekend a group calling themselves the ‘Warriors of Warmth’ (WOW) descended on the building to install a complete central heating system for free.

Just like the TV equivalent of DIY SOS, businesses from the town and further afield gave their time and expertise without payment.

Jonathon Hallam, founder of Warriors of Warmth, said: "We chose this project because it does so much for the community, it caters for all ages, from baby groups, to helping the unemployed, to old age pensioner activity groups. It is also a local food bank."

The former heating system was inefficient, costing the community centre significant amounts in heating bills ever year.

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It is hoped the revamp will help Loundsley Green Community Centre reduce the amount it needs to pay on heating and hot water – so it can channel these funds into community work.

Now attention will turn to the outdoor community area, The Green, where work is already taking place ahead of its launch.

A spokesperson for Loundsley Green Community Trust said: "The garden will be opened as a community garden for all to share, and work has started in pruning and cleaning up the site for local residents to enjoy.

“Members of Loundsley Green Community Trust are so grateful for the great work that WOW have done for the local community, a magnificent effort by sacrificial people.”

Several businesses have also already signed up to provide their products for the charitys ongoing work, including EPH Controls, IMI Hydronic Engineering, Fernox, Stelrad, CondensatePro and Conex Banninger.

Plumbers of the future from Chesterfield College were also given the opportunity to see the work being carried out last weekend and take advantage of some first-hand experience of a major project taking place.

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