RESIDENTS were celebrating today after plans for a long-awaited community centre won backing.

Broadwater Community Association has been pressing for the centre for several years. But the last application was rejected by the Government.

It was planned as part of a retail warehouse development at the Northbrook College site in Broadwater Road.

The college wanted to sell its Broadwater campus to developers who planned to turn it into a five-warehouse shopping complex.

But a Government inspector blocked the move after a planning inquiry last November.

The decision meant the much needed community centre would not be able to go ahead.

Now Worthing planners look set to support proposals for a new centre at the Broadwater Manor Sports Ground.

John Killen, chairman of Broadwater Community Association, said: "I am thrilled. The community centre is greatly needed in Broadwater.

"Other centres in the town are full and over-subscribed.

"We are thrilled that this is happening now after the last plan was rejected.

"This is a logical place to have it. We were disappointed when it was turned down before."

Members of the council's leisure services committee have been recommended to find a site at the sports ground.

It is expected to be at the southern end between the sports pavilion and the Broadwater Road entrance.

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