COMMUNITY workers and officials behind Hayling’s new advice centre really believe it will take Pride of Place on the Island.

The Pride of Place centre was officially opened by Havant Mayor Councillor Vic Pierce Jones, on February 19, and now offers practical help and advice on everything from housing and welfare benefits to policing problems in our neighbourhood.

Hayling’s Pride of Place is fortunate that it is based in The Bridge Centre in Beach Road, and the church group based there has agreed to donate use of its facilities for free.

Hayling Island Community Board chairman Terry Worrall, who is a member of the Havant Community Partnership that helped set the wheels in motion along with Hayling Police, was delighted the centre was now open for business. “It is Hayling people helping Hayling people” he said.

Residents will be able to meet police officers and councillors face-to-face at the centre. They can also report anti-social behaviour as well as get advice on issues like housing and benefits. The centre will be staffed by volunteers.

Paul Dennison, who is a member of Community Board as well as being the church’s minister, said: “We felt there was a need for an advice centre like Pride of Place in Leigh Park where people can receive advice on finances, housing or benefits". He added, "It is also an opportunity for people to express fears and worries about their own neighbourhood and there is now a much more visible police presence on Hayling Island and this feeds back into public life in that there is a greater sense of security."