On Thursday 31 July local government Minister John Healey MP visited Malabar Children’s and Community Centre in Truro.

Malabar is one of three new community centres opening in Truro thanks to the hard work of local residents and Labour’s investment in family and children’s services.

The Malabar Community Centre is run by New Beginnings residents’ association.

During the visit John Healey MP was shown round the Children’s Centre by manager Lisa Sherlock, and met children and parents enjoying the centre’s activities.

He met representatives of New Beginnings residents’ association, and Community Development worker Trudy Swann who works with residents’ groups on Trelander, Malpas, and Malabar. Truro City Council employs Trudy Swann and John Healey MP also met Deputy Mayor Ros Cox.

He was accompanied by Charlotte Mackenzie, Labour’s prospective MP for Truro, who is a local councillor for Trehaverne ward which includes Malabar.

Charlotte MacKenzie said: “It is fantastic to have three new community centres in Truro at Malpas Road, Malabar, and Trelander. These Centres show the difference that local residents can make for their communities.

“The Malabar Centre is coming into its own during the school holidays with play and other activities. Refurbishing the old school certainly wasn’t straightforward and this is a great achievement for New Beginnings and all the partner organisations working with them.

“I know that John Healey MP found the visit interesting and enjoyed meeting everybody. These centres would not exist without Labour’s investment – Tory plans show that they would cut spending on much-needed services like this by £200 million.”

There are eleven children’s centres  in the new constituency area of Truro and Falmouth, which includes almost all of Carrick.