A FINAL fundraising plea has been launched to raise £10,000 to complete the redevelopment of a flood-hit community centre by January.

Downagate Community Centre, in Warwick Bridge, is nearly at the end of a two and a half-year revamp to bring the building back into use for residents.

The ground floor of the centre was filled with 1.5m of water when Storm Desmond caused the River Eden to burst its banks back in December 2015.

The flooding ruined the main hall, kitchen, changing rooms, store rooms, plus the surrounding playing fields and park.

After the wild weather struck Cumbria nearly three years ago, a campaign was swiftly launched to raise £300,000 to strengthen the buildings flood defences, and bring the centre back to life.

But over two years on, restoration work is taking longer than expected after the team hit several obstacles.

Yvonne Petry, development officer at Downagate Community Centre, said: "The refurbishment is well underway and looking amazing and we are grateful for the wonderful support we have had from some local businesses and organisations.

"The kitchen is fitted, and is awaiting on appliances. The toilet facilities and changing rooms are nearing completion, and work has begun on rendering the building.

"We have had fantastic support from the local Rotary clubs, plus Asda, Tesco and the Warwick Bridge Co-op."

The reopening, originally expected to take place in August, was delayed due to a dwindling lack of funds to redevelop the site. Yvonne now hopes the centre will be open by January.

"In order to complete the project, further funding would be welcomed and we would encourage the local communities to support us either through the Co-op or through our JustGiving page.

"We do require assistance with joinery, grounds maintenance, plastering, painting and decorating and general cleaning and therefore ask anyone wishing to help by offering their services, to contact us," added Yvonne.

To offer some support, call Yvonne on 01228 560810 or email yvonne.downagate@gmail.com

To make a donation, go to: https://bit.ly/2CskwVx