RESIDENTS living in the 57 flats that make up Housman Park in Bromsgrove will soon be able to enjoy all the amenities of a new community centre.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Richard Macey, chairman of the trustees, laid the foundation stone for the new centre, which fronts onto The Strand behind the main building in School Drive. It is set to be completed by the end of November.

Mr Macey said apart from providing a comfortable area where residents can socialise, there will be a hairdressing salon and laundry facilities. The new premises replace a former sweet shop which was originally built as an office for the Midland Red bus company. The guests were welcomed by Paul Raine, chief executive of the park's owners Somerset Redstone, The vicar of All Saints Church, the Rev Wendy Moore, blessed and dedicated the stone.