THE Bourne Valley Community Association has officially wound down after operating for half a century.

Following a surveyor's report that showed it was in poor repair, the community centre building - at Herbert Avenue - was demolished in April.

After meeting these demolition costs, community association trustees have been left with around £30,000. This money has been redistributed to Poole Communities Trust, Bourne Valley Action Group, Alderney Manor Community Association and Church of the Good Shepherd.

Bourne Valley Community Association chairman Tony Miles said: "The association began in 1966 at a public meeting and for many years campaigned, and fundraised, for a community centre in the Bourne Valley area.

"Finally in 1978 it obtained a 99-year lease from the then Dorset County Council on land in Herbert Avenue to erect its own community centre."

This centre was built in 1980, but with an original lifespan of 20-30 years it was starting to show its age by 2016, said Tony.

So on June 15, 2016, at a public meeting it was agreed that the centre should close at the end of that year, with the charity closing down as soon as possible afterwards.

Tony said: "I would like to thank the current trustees who have given all their time and energy for free during the protracted period of closure.

"The trustees would like to thank all the local people who have supported the association and centre over the years and hope that local residents will make use of the other community venues in the area."

The site where the community centre used to be looks likely to be used to build affordable housing.

Tony said: "Over the years many local people have enjoyed many activities at the centre which led to much community benefit.

"Also it had become increasingly difficult to find newer, and younger, trustees.

"Expenditure was overtaking income and major works would need to be carried out."