THIS is what the one million pound community centre in the heart of a Sidmouth neighbourhood could look like, as the vision edges closer to reality. Plans to build the long-awaited community centre at Stowford Rise are now well underway and it is expect

THIS is what the one million pound community centre in the "heart" of a Sidmouth neighbourhood could look like, as the vision edges closer to reality.

Plans to build the long-awaited community centre at Stowford Rise are now well underway and it is expected that the centre will be up and running by 2010.

County councillor Stuart Hughes, leading the project, believes the community centre pictured, in Great Baddow, Essex is a "shining example" and intends to model the Stowford complex on this.

The community centre, which will house the Primary Care Trust, is also being funded by Waitrose and Sidmouth Town Council.

Mr Hughes has already met with centre partners two times and a further meeting to finalise plans will be held in April.

He said: "We hope everything will go along swimmingly. We'll get everything sorted out and will be working up to the plans of the community centre. Once they have been approved then the work will begin."

Another cause for celebration is the announcement this week by Devon County Council that it is set to inject millions of pounds into a children's centre programme.

The �4.5 million initiative will provide 43 children's centres across the county by 2010, including at the soon-to-be Stowford Community Centre and an undisclosed site in Ottery St Mary.

Children's centres may include childcare, support for parents, child and family health services and helping parents into work.

The multi-million pound programme is expected to be rubber stamped by county council bosses today.

With the �250,000 bid Councillor Stuart Hughes was allocated from DCC's sale of Exeter Airport, and this further cash boost, the future is looking very bright for the Stowford community.

A thrilled Mr Hughes said: "I'm delighted with what is going to happen to Stowford Rise residents. Another 150 new houses are planned and they are going to be built mainly for young people to be housed in that area. The community centre will be the heart of that particular community."

Now Mr Hughes is seeking Stowford Rise residents to serve on the community centre's management committee alongside district councillors, Christine Drew and Graham Troman.

Leaflets will soon be dropped through letterboxes and more information can be obtained through Mr Hughes on (01395) 578414.