RESIDENTS of a once run-down estate are a step closer to seeing the plans for a £1.3m centre on their doorstep become a reality.

As it stands now, Firthmoor's new community centre is little more than a brick shell, hidden in part with scaffolding and littered with building materials.

But, despite its rugged appearance, the centre has already been given an identity which it is hoped will become a household name.

Firthmoor Community Association, which has been the main body to breathe new life into the troubled estate, announced yesterday that the centre will be known as Maidendale House.

Voted as the best of 15 suggestions, Dave Preston, association treasurer, said he liked the name because it sounded friendly.

"This project is about the people, not the building, and I think the name reflects that. It's welcoming," he said.

Maidendale House is expected to open its doors early in the New Year and offer a range of services under one roof, including shops, a caf, health clinics and an information technology suite.

Working closely with neighbouring Firthmoor Primary School, the association is also creating an all-day nursery inside the modern centre.

"We want this to be a place where people can come and get a warm welcome and help with a range of things, from child care to health problems," said Mr Preston.

"We also want it to be an example to the younger people growing up in Firthmoor about what can be achieved if people work together in a community."

The centre will house a youth hall and the specific activities available there will be decided on by the local youngsters. President of the Firthmoor Youth Forum, Kevin Nicholson, said they want the centre to offer a whole range of facilities, from indoor and outdoor sports to an information technology caf where youngsters can socialise and learn. It is part of a regeneration scheme in the area, costing £3m and stretching over five years.

Mr Preston said: "This is one of the biggest changes in Firthmoor for decades."