WORK has started on the most important part of Oxenhope Community Centre's major refurbishment programme.

A Halifax-based firm began installing the building's new roof last Monday. This part of the project is expected to take about three weeks to complete.

Oxenhope Community Association chairman, Tony Maw, said: "This is the most expensive part of the renovation.

"Apart from the roof beams this is a complete re-roofing and it's absolutely great to see it starting, as we worked for a couple of years to get to this point.

"Whenever it's been raining we've had to put up with water constantly leaking through the roof. It hasn't been too bad when it's just been a bit of drizzle, but when it rains steadily the water comes through various parts of the ceiling."

He added that the old, composite tiles, were being replaced with proper roof slates by a family-run business called M Durkin and Son.

He said the roofing work had been timed to minimise interference with those groups that use the centre.

"It shouldn't have a big effect on the programme of activities in the building," he said. "We've timed it for this part of the year, as there are currently no pre-school sessions going on in the mornings."