Three community-spirited companies have chipped in to help refurbish a Renton community centre.  Renton Community Development Trust, which runs Ma Centre in the village’s Main Street, says the efforts of firms MCN, Peter Gordon and City Technical have ensured the facility’s future.

The building, formerly Renton CE Centre, was closed by West Dunbartonshire Council in 2006 and finally handed over to the community last June.  But the time spent lying vacant had taken its toll and as a result urgent repairs were needed to the roof windows and kitchen – and that’s where the three firms came in.

MCN is currently completing a kitchen refurbishment contract for Cordale in a number of Renton properties.  The firm ripped out the centre’s existing kitchen and replaced it with smart units and tile surrounds as well as a new oven and hob and dishwasher – all free of charge.

City Technical, another Cordale contractor, carried out roof repairs to ensure the building is wind and water tight.

Local man Peter Gordon, who owns Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors and Floors in Dumbarton High Street offered to complete window repairs which will ensure the centre will now withstand the elements until a full refurbishment programme can be completed.

Colin Smith Maintenance Officer at Cordale Housing Association said the companies were keen to step in when they heard the centre’s plight.
He added: “All of the firms were happy to help and donated their time and materials free of charge.  They all did a fantastic job and it has made a huge difference to the centre.”

RCDT is proposing to completely overhaul the centre which as well as providing facilities for existing clubs, teams and groups could also incorporate childcare facilities and a restaurant.

Archie Thomson, chairman of RCDT, said: “The work completed by these contractors has been fundamental to the viability of Ma Centre and has given it a new lease of life.  We had no budget to complete these repairs which would have put a big question mark over the centre.

Since the work has been carried out, we have had enquiries from an after school club and Share Scotland about using the centre facilities so the generosity of these companies has enabled us to explore other avenues.”

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