A MAMMOTH eight-year regeneration project has seen a dilapidated Dalton building transformed into a thriving community hub.

Since 2008, trustees of the Dalton Community Association have helped to amass more than £400,000 which has gone towards creating a new community centre in the building that used to be known as the Drill Hall.

The Nelson Street premises, which is now recognised as Dalton Community Centre, celebrated its new look with two public open days that showcased all the work that has been undertaken in just under a decade.

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Cumbria county councillor for Dalton North, Barry Doughty, who is chairman of the association, has been credited with guiding the project to the finishing line.

He said: "I'm too modest to say it was just me but I have tried to be the driving force behind it. However, overall this would never have been possible without help from the trustees and friends alike.

"I am chuffed with how it has all turned out and over the past four weeks we've had 4,000 people come through our doors which, in any case, is just amazing."

Mr Doughty is now hoping that he can share his wisdom with other groups through Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service so that more community centres can be built to the highest possible standard.

He added: "I think lessons can be learned from the process and I hope that I will be able to invite community groups to a seminar where I can share some of the difficulties and triumphs that we encountered.

"It was not all plain sailing and there were some low points but I think it's worth sharing the importance of realising that these things can't be done quickly but you will get there in the end."

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Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock, who attended Friday's event, praised Cllr Doughty for his contribution.

He added: "I recall seeing the musty old Drill Hall when Barry had just embarked on his transformation project and I was probably not alone in thinking he had his work cut out.

"But he has accomplished what he set out do do and now the Dalton Community Centre is both a credit to the town and a silent witness to Barry's determination, imagination and powers of persuasion."