HASLEWEY, Haslemere's new community centre for the town's elderly people and other groups has moved a step closer this week.

After being on the drawing board for more than 15 years, it has been confirmed this week that work will finally start within the next two months with a completion date of the beginning of next year.

Beset by a number of problems over the years, including two failed lottery bids, a scaled-down single-storey building on Waverley-owned land in front of Tesco's supermarket now looks finally set to come to fruition.

Speaking to The Herald, Jean Mansley, who has doggedly persevered with plans for the new centre which she masterminded when she was town mayor in 1985 and chairman of Age Concern, said she was delighted that the proposals were at last forging ahead.

Now analysing tenders from six contractors, the committee is deciding what items can be left until later, in order not to delay the start of building work.

"There was a long-held belief dating way back of the poor facilities at The Wey Centre and we approached Waverley about it.

But without the gift of land from the borough council Mrs Mansley said it would have been "an almost impossible task".

With pledges of £885,000 including grants from Waverley Borough council, Haslemere Town council, Surrey County Council, Age Concern and local fundraising projects, the final costs of the building are likely to be around £1 million.

The new building will include a spacious foyer with reception area and coffee bar, manned by volunteers and an restaurant open to the public for lunches and by arrangement in the evening.

A large multi-purpose hall, which can be used as a lounge and venue for other activities, leads into a walled garden.

Among other facilities is a well-equipped kitchen and freezer room, a room for self-catering and a licensed bar.

Included in the facilities for older people in the community is a chiropody clinic, assisted bathroom area, medical room, hairdressing and beauty salon and an activity room for craft and art work.

A small activity room which could also be used for meetings and education classes is also included as well as a manager's office.

Mrs Mansley said: "It will be fully accessible for disabled people."

Mrs Mansley said a lottery application for a lesser amount than the two previous bids of £520,000 and £410,000 and in the order of £100,000 would also be submitted soon to hopefully provide the extras to complete the interior of the community centre.

"We want the town and the local community to dig deep into their pockets, not just by buying a brick but to support these community facilities," said Mrs Mansley.

When it is completed Haslewey will free-up the existing Wey Centre which is set to be part of the plan to re-locate the Haslemere Library to a bigger site from its present cramped conditions in Wey Hill.

p Anyone wishing to make donations in aid of Haslewey should send them to the Haslewey treasurer Nigel Everett, c/o HSBC, High Street, Haslemere, Surrey.