A CAMPAIGN to win a facelift for Littlemoor's community centre is moving full steam ahead with tenders going out for work on the project.

Members of Littlemoor Community Association hope to submit a National Lottery Community Fund bid next month for £60,000 to transform the Canberra Road centre.

If the application is successful the cash will not only be used to modernise the building but will also provide a revenue budget for a caretaker over the next three years.

At the moment the centre is out of action due to the cold weather, but the association gets the green light the new-look centre could be opened by September next year.

Tenders have already gone out to contractors - and once detailed costings have been received the lottery application can be made.

Among the priority jobs that need to be tackled on the building are a new roof, a modern heating system, disabled toilets and better security.

The headteacher of Bincombe Primary School, Les Strong said: "We feel very confident about our prospects of attracting this cash to improve the centre. At the moment it is under-used because it needs to have some work done on it to make it a nice facility to use and a worthwhile asset for this community."

Mr Strong said the association was keen to hear from local people who would like to get involved in the project to improve the centre.

He added: "We are all committed to ensuring that Littlemoor Community Centre is a good facility for local people offering a decent, warm and welcoming space for local groups."

Ward Coun Anne Thomas said: "This initiative needs to be seen as part of the process of Weymouth and Portland's Community Plan to improve the social, environmental and economic well-being of the locality."

Vicar of St Francis of Assisi Church, Littlemoor, the Rev Antony MacRow-Wood said: "The lottery cash will enable us to do a major upgrade on the building which will give the community a modern, well-heated secure premises. Obviously we're always keen for any interested supporters from the community to join us. If you would like to get involved please contact me on 01305 815366."