On Friday 23 February 2018 Bridget Phillipson, Labour Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South, visited Burnside Academy carry out the official re-opening of their new Community Hub.

Alongside Acting Headtecher Leona Kelly, Bridget unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Burnside successfully secured thousands of pounds from the Big Lottery Fund and the Houghton Ward Community Chest grant to renovate the building.

Community Chest grants are designed to provide support for ‘one off’ projects that are of benefit to the local community. Local ward councillors have a grant allocation to award to community groups and organisations to deliver activities, events or purchase equipment. Projects must address local priorities and provide genuine community benefit or address community need at a ward level.

Speaking after the visit, Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“It was an honour to visit Burnside Academy today to re-open their fantastic new Community Hub.

“I know that this space will prove to be a real asset to the local community and businesses in our area, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Community Chest funding allocated by local Labour councillors in Houghton Ward and the Big Lottery Fund.

“I want to congratulate Acting Headteacher Leona Kelly and her team for all their hard work -; they’ve really created something special for the school and the wider community in Houghton.”