A COMMUNITY organisation has been awarded £25,000 to transform a former chapel into a hub providing “vital services” to Caerphilly county borough residents.

Based in the Libanus Chapel, Blackwood, Libanus Lifestyle hopes to use the funding to carry out much needed repair work to the building’s kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as repairing broken windows.

Now that the group has received the Community Regeneration funding, they are applying for a licence to serve alcohol and use the space to host community events, respite care and drop in services for disabled and vulnerable adults.

Karen James, of Libanus Lifestyle, has worked in the care sector since September 2008. She said she was “excited” at getting the work started after receiving support from a lot of prominent people.

“They rang me last Thursday to confirm we have got the £25,000 funding and it’s been a great relief," she added. "We are now looking at starting work on site from Wednesday.

“We will be stripping out the old kitchen and toilets whilst upgrading all the facilities as we want the chapel to become a hub for wedding and other events.”

The Libanus Lifestyle company was established in November last year and formed a management committee this January including local councillor Leon Gardiner.

Once refurbished, the centre will also double as a museum, with borough memorabilia and other historical items being displayed throughout the venue.

Cllr Gardiner said: “Since of the closure of the council offices in Pontllanfraith last year, a lot of organisations have no place to go, and a number of local organisations have agreed to start using the chapel for their events.”

Ms James added: “This means we can really start with the site now and look at what we can do, we have also spoken to Companies House about being registered as a community company, which will give us similar tax benefits to charities.

“To have the finance in place is so important and to know that the council support us is a great vote of confidence as we push for the chapel to be abeautiful place that people want to hold events in.”

A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokeswoman said: “The Community Regeneration fund aims to enable community organisations across the county borough to take forward initiatives and in turn foster and enhance sustainable communities. This grant funding will contribute towards the centre’s refurbishment works, and we look forward to seeing the works progress over the coming months.”

For more information contact karen@libanuslifestyle.co.uk