AS the town mayor, Stephen Mulliner made a few finishing touches to the roof of the long awaited community centre, Haslewey, an appeal was made for donations to help buy furniture and equipment.

Joined by supporters of the Haslewey project and town and borough councillors, Mr Mulliner climbed onto the roof and screwed down one of the final roof tiles.

He thanked everyone who has been involved in the project and offered his best wishes for its future.

Haslewey trustee and borough councillor Jean Mansley, who has campaigned for the scheme since the 1980s and acted as project co-ordinator, attended the ceremony.

Mrs Mansley told The Herald that she is "thrilled that an end is now in sight."

"It has been a long road to get to where we are today and we still need to raise at least £100,000 to furnish and equip Haslewey. But it is absolutely wonderful to see the roof completed.

"I think we are finally getting there," Mrs Mansley added.

After the mayor had climbed down the precarious ladder from the scaffolding, town councillor for Haslemere south, and former town mayor, Ted Orchard made a presentation of £500 to the Haslewey trustees.

"This is not something I can easily afford as a pensioner, and I hope to be able to pledge another £500 when I can afford to," Mr Orchard said.

Mr Orchard said that he hopes his donation will encourage other people, organisations and businesses in the area to consider giving money to the scheme.

"There there is still a great need for more money to be raised," he added.

Expected to be completed in the spring, the centre will be used by a range of community groups including the local branch of Age Concern. It is proposed to replace the Wey Centre, Age Concern's current venue.

The community centre will have a range of facilities including a snack bar, restaurant, and rooms for hairdressing, chiropody, and activities.

Taking a look around the new building, which has already been divided into rooms but needs to be plastered and fitted out, were the head of Haslemere Age Concern, Edith Kinghorn, and day centre user Don Luck.

Mrs Kinghorn commented that she is very pleased that the long wait is almost over, and said that everybody at Age Concern is excited about the new facilities.

A former builder, Mr Luck has been watching Haslewey's progress with great interest. He has built several models to show other Age Concern clients how Haslewey is expected to look.

"The models took quite a long time for me to make, but everybody at Age Concern has been really interested in them. I think the models give people a good chance to see exactly what is being done and to look forward to the opening," said Mr Luck.

• Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Mrs Mansley on 01428 642591.