THE final tile has been placed on the roof of a long-awaited community centre in Witney.

The finishing of building work at Madley Park Community Centre was celebrated with a topping out ceremony, where Witney town councillor Roger Curry, who has over-seen the project since work began in March, put in place the final piece.

Councillors, community groups and residents’ association members turned out to inspect the building at the ceremony on Wednesday.

Mr Curry, chairman of the council’s public halls committee, said: “We are extremely pleased with the progress to date.

“The hall is looking great and will be a very important community asset for the whole of north Witney.

“It has taken a long time to get here, with a lot of discussions and meetings with the local community, so it was extremely gratifying to see the project at this stage where the building is up and looking good.”

The community centre – which consists of two halls, a kitchen and a cafe – was built using funds given to the community by the Madley Park developers.

Work will now begin on fitting out the insides.

Mr Curry said the whole project would cost about £900,000 and said he hoped it would open for a Christmas party.

He said: “In the opinion of the town council, this is an important community asset for Madley Park as well as the whole of north Witney.

“We are very excited about it and are sure that it will be a great success.”

The Rev Andrew Pritchard, curate at St Mary’s Church, in Cogges, attended the ceremony.

He said: “It’s exciting to see the building that people have looked forward to and worked hard for now taking shape.

“What a service it will be for a community that for so long hasn’t had a restaurant or a pub or a cafe where people can meet.

“Now different groups in the community can use it. Everybody is excited.”