Local residents came out in force to see 2010 Rotherham’s Chief Executive Kevin Lowry cut the red ribbon at Cherry Tree Community House, on the Birks Holt estate. The event was also attended by Councillor Will Blair and Councillor Ann Russell. 

The refurbishment work has been carried out by local residents and members of Cherry Tree Tenants and Residents Association (TARA), with help from 2010 Rotherham Neighbourhood Champion Rebecca Whorton and Neighbourhood Housing Officer Cheryl Vernon.

Birks Holt resident and Chair of Cherry Tree TARA, June Madden, said: “We would like to thank everyone at 2010 Rotherham for their help with the Community House. The centre is such a valuable resource for young people on the estate. If we only get one child in Cherry Tree House, it is one less child hanging around on the street.”

A youth group is held at Cherry Tree House three times a week by members of the TARA and 2010 Rotherham staff. At the group, children are able to buy sweets and drinks from the tuck-shop, with all money going towards the running costs of the building.

The centre, which has facilities for both indoor and outdoor activities, is also used to host community meetings and events, such as bingo, parties and table-top sales. It is hoped that the centre will soon have an internet connection and computer facilities for residents of the estate to use.

Funding for the refurbishment work came from Wentworth Valley Area Assembly, Wentworth Valley Area Housing Panel and the Safer Rotherham Partnership. A new kitchen was installed by Decent Homes partners Rok, while air hockey and pool tables were donated by West Melton TARA.

Maltby artist Stuart Platt donated some of his paintings to be raffled off to raise money for the Community House.

Kevin Lowry 2010 Rotherham’s Chief Executive said: “2010 Rotherham is very pleased to support the TARA members who work extremely hard to make a real difference to people’s lives. Their efforts in Birks Holt will hopefully bring huge benefits to the local community. We see this ribbon cutting ceremony as a way of saying to the residents of Birks Holt that the centre’s open, come and use it and reap the benefits of having a locally based community centre that’s accessible to all.

“The centre has been refurbished through a partnership between several organisations, all of whom recognise the importance of working closely with the communities they serve.”

Councillor Ann Russell, Chair of Rotherham Borough Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Panel, added: “Cherry Tree Community House is a brilliant idea, every estate should have one. What makes it so successful is that the young people of Birks Holt have been asked for their views at every stage of the development. As a result, they really appreciate the centre and treat it with respect.”