The proposed Phoenix Community Centre in Goodwick has had a welcome boost recently.

Pembrokeshire County Council has granted outline planning consent for the construction of the centre on the site of the old sports clubhouse.

This has cleared the way for the project’s Lottery funding bid and a detailed ‘final draft’ application has now been submitted.

John Deason, chairman of the Fishguard & Goodwick Sports Club and the Phoenix Working Group said the application included detailed construction plans, the results of surveys and consultations, a comprehensive business plan and an impressive list of over 60 local community groups wanting to use the new centre.

"In total the application and the attached project plan run to over 100,000 words," he said.

"In addition we have submitted a thick folder of detailed design details and drawings. To put it into perspective; our application is larger and more detailed than a PhD dissertation and represents a huge effort by our team of volunteers."

The working groups expects a response to the Lottery application within six months and another funding application is being sent to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Local fund raising has already raised over £250,000; committed by local sports clubs, community groups, the Town Council and Pembrokeshire County Council.

In addition the popular Buy a Brick scheme, whereby local residents and groups can buy nominal £5 bricks, is going well and remain on sale at the Sports Club.

Starting next Monday - 30 March - there will be a weekly fundraising Phoenix Bingo night at the Clubhouse.