THE SALVATION Army is back in the Queen's Way area of Ipswich – and it has celebrated the fact by dishing out of cups of tea and coffee.The first stage of the newly redeveloped Priory Centre opened in November and volunteers have been gradually raising the profile of the organisation in the area ever since.

THE SALVATION Army is back in the Queen's Way area of Ipswich – and it has celebrated the fact by dishing out of cups of tea and coffee.

The first stage of the newly redeveloped Priory Centre opened in November and volunteers have been gradually raising the profile of the organisation in the area ever since.

At the opening more than 100 cups of tea and coffee were handed out at the Priory Centre, which is a neighbourhood social, support and worship centre for the family

The Salvation Army has been in Queen's Way since 1930 and was very popular with young families but in recent years the congregation has become smaller.

The Salvation Army's Margaret Bale said: "Three years ago it was very drab here and we closed down two-and-a-half years ago to modernise the building. Since then more than £160,000 has been raised through grants and support from the community through fund-raising."

The Salvation Army temporarily used a portable cabin next to the current building before moving back to its current site four weeks ago.

The newly fitted out building has male, female and disabled toilets as well as baby changing facilities.

The organisation is hoping to expand and that includes new arts and crafts lessons, toddlers groups, knitting classes and keep fit.

"There is so much more that could be happening from this building. We are particularly concerned about after-school and weekend activities for the children. They are so much needed. But we cannot do any more without extra helpers. We already have eleven volunteers on our team and we need many more.

"Our challenge to local folk is help the Salvation Army make a difference in this community – lend us your skills, your time and your enthusiasm for your community. Our message is to come in and talk to us – let us know what you can do. We hope to have a new listening service which will be a chance for a confidential chat with a trained volunteer."

Another £25,000 is needed to pay for the cost of the refurbishment of the rest of the building and it is hoped that the building will be officially opened next March

Until then Margaret Bale said she was delighted with the progress which is being made.

She added: "This morning I looked around and saw the whole place full of people – I couldn't believe it was so busy".

n The centre is open between 9.30am-12pm Monday to Friday. Any people wishing to volunteer are asked to call Margaret Bale on 07932 342036 or 01394 672580.