Steve Beasant

   STAFF at an East Marsh Resource Centre which is run by North East Lincolnshire Council have been celebrating - after being voted best in the country for its contribution to the local community and culture.

Freeman Street Resource and Community Centre in Kent Street scooped a top gong at the annual APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) awards held in Blackpool last week.

Judges were impressed by the facilities on offer for adult and youth training, community, social, sporting and cultural activities of benefit to individuals and community groups - and voted it best performer for civic, cultural and community venues.

The centre beat competition from nearly 300 other councils to lift the top prize.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and recognises the wonderful diversionary facilities on offer at Freeman Street Resource Centre.

“The small team there are to be congratulated for the pivotal role they play in bringing communities together.”

The resource centre has a conference hall that seats up to 100 people for meetings, training or seminars. It is also used for leisure and sporting activities such as line dancing, yoga and children’s parties. The community room seats up to 25 people and is also used for a variety of meetings and training events.

The centre also has a cybercafe offering free Internet access from six computers and multi-use sports pitches. The centre is open weekdays 9am - 4.30pm (4pm Friday) and the sports facilities operate into the evening.

At the Best And Most Improved Performer Awards 2008, APSE announced the winners of 22 awards, recognising best and most improved performance across 11 service areas, at the annual performance networks dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Denise Welch at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

The awards recognised those delivering front line services in local government who have improved public services both on quality and value for money.

Awards were only given following a rigorous assessment and review process of the local authority’s performance information.