With his vision of the ‘Big Society’, David Cameron would surely approve.

A community centre in Mudeford has moved a step closer to being fully managed by residents after they saved it from closure earlier this year.

The recently-formed Friends of Mudeford Wood Community Centre have reached an initial agreement with Christchurch council that will ensure the future of the much-loved centre in Pipers Drive.

Resi-dents fought a campaign at the end of last year to keep the centre open after concerns by the council over its running costs and usage.

But now after constructive talks between the Friends and council, a draft business plan outlining how the Friends will take over the running of the centre over the next two years is set to be drawn up.

Cllr Alan Griffiths, leader of Christchurch council said: “I’m glad we have been able to sit down with the Friends group to come up with a plan which will retain this facility for the community. The Friends group has shown us that the centre is used and supported by many people and so we are happy to work with them to preserve and improve our centre.

“I have volunteered to be part of the community group overseeing the running of the centre and I trust other local people will get involved to manage it and help it become a more vibrant facility.”

He added: “I said it was time for people to step up to the plate and they have.”

Dawn Brookes, chairman of the Friends said: “We realise we have got a lot of work to do but we all agreed when we started this campaign that we would be in it for the long-haul.

“We have a group of very committed and enthusiastic people who are determined to make a success of this.”