Work has started on a community centre partly funded by an energy company as an apology for disruption to residents.

South Coast Power, owner of Shoreham power station, gave £350,000 to neighbours to compensate for inconvenience caused by major work laying a new pipeline.

This money, along with £295,000 from the Community Fund, is financing the centre in part of St Andrew's Church, Church Road, Portslade.

The two-storey building should be finished in February and will have three halls, meeting rooms, a kitchen, offices and reception area.

June Lucas, secretary of the Community Association of Portslade South, said: "It's much-needed in this area. The community will enjoy using it."

Monday August 18, 2003