A COMMUNITY stalwart has taken up post as the new chairperson at Wall Heath Community Centre.

After serving on various community groups and committees for many years, Linda Hickman, has been elected to oversee the running of the centre.

Linda, who runs the Crafty Chatters group that meets at the centre, said: “I grew up in the village and am proud to have been elected chair of this dynamic group of volunteers.

“My main priority is to make provision for updating facilities for disabled and baby changing, and to improve accessibility for all.

“We are hosting for the second year the Wall Heath pantomime which was a huge success last year, and we will also celebrate the 75th horticultural show at the centre in September.”

Dudley South MP Mike Wood stopped off at the centre to congratulate Linda on the appointment and he said: “The centre already offers a great range of activities and groups from the centre, but it was great to hear how Linda and the team are already planning to expand on that great work.

“Of course, like most of our community centres, Wall Heath is run by volunteers - so I really do want to give a big thank you to Linda and all local people who give their own time to make our community centres such valuable assets in the heart of our communities.”