TOWN councillors in Dawlish agreed to a £5,000 grant for major improvements to the Strand Centre.

The large grant funding has meant the community centre has been able to replace and upgrade its lighting.

A spokesman for the Strand Centre trustees said; ‘We’re very grateful to Dawlish Town Council for awarding the large grant which has enabled the replacement of the auditorium lighting with energy-efficient fittings and upgrade our emergency lighting.

‘Trustees were delighted to finally cross this risk off the register.’

Alarm repairs are also due to take place.

supporting this sort of organisation is exactly what the large scheme is intended for.

Alarm repairs will follow in a second phase.

Meanwhile, Cllr Alison Foden has used her Teignbridge Council councillors community fund to support cleaning the centre’s chairs.

While the centre was closed for essential works, about 100 of the well-used chairs had a much-needed clean.

Last summer, the centre’s kitchen underwent a major upgrade.

The £4,000 project means the centre now has a fully equipped catering kitchen to provide meals for the 1,200 residents it serves every year.

Its previously outdated facilities had limited capacity with inadequate equipment and frequent mould due to the damp conditions.

The upgrade involved installing a commercial cooker, extractor fan, alongside professional installation and disposal of old furniture and appliances.

The centre has recently reopened after a busy week carrying out the work.

A spokesman said: ‘As we reopen to the public, volunteers will now be helping clean and wax the wooden chair frames so they’ll last for many more years.

‘Thank you to everyone helping keep the Strand Centre clean, welcoming and ready for the community.’