A COMMUNITY group is finally being allowed to take over the old Park Street School building after a five year campaign.

The directors of Abergavenny Community Centre Ltd and Monmouthshire County Council came to an agreement, subject to contract, prior to last week's auction at which the infant school building was due to be sold at.

Marion Pearse, the campaign group's secretary said: " We never gave up, and while we have achieved the goal that eluded us for so long we realise that this is only just the beginning of the journey.

"We've always felt that Abergavenny lacked one vital facility for local people to enjoy, and as we went about our day-to-day we found that other people agreed. It was a very simple plan.

"The community 'hub' is all about local people, older, and younger people, children, families and individuals from all walks of life, combining our strengths, interests and our skills to create something which is purposeful, and which builds a greater sense of community," said Mrs Pearce.

" The three weeks leading up to the auction have been a bit of a whirlwind with dozens of phone calls, emails and round table talks taking place, but what really tipped the balance in our favour was the arrival of capitalised partners both private and philanthropic willing to put money into the scheme.

"We were in the final stages of securing the financial package when Monmouthshire County Council said that they might be willing to explore the possibility of a commercial lease on the site," she said.

A spokesman for the Monmouthshire authority said: "We are delighted that we have been able to come to an agreement with the directors of ACC that will secure a new beginning for the old Park Street School building as as community resource."