COMMUNITY groups will have to be re-housed as a multi-million pound cash boost will close a popular community centre. The Ripple Road Community Hall, St Erkenwald Road, Barking, which is home to a number of organisations and voluntary groups, has secured

COMMUNITY groups will have to be re-housed as a multi-million pound cash boost will close a popular community centre.

The Ripple Road Community Hall, St Erkenwald Road, Barking, which is home to a number of organisations and voluntary groups, has secured a �3million cash grant for a massive makeover.

The groups will have to find alternative venues until mid June, when the centre will close for refurbishment.

Ken Morum, who runs a weekly line dancing group at the centre, is worried about the future of his group, as he may have to re-arrange other dance groups he runs at the Seabrook Centre.

He said: "Most of the groups won't be able to exist if they can't find anywhere else for us."

However, a council spokesperson said: "The council will be working hard with voluntary and community organisations currently using Ripple Hall, seeking to find them alternative premises.

"Officers have already made contact with each group and the work is ongoing."

The revamp will create a new office space, meeting rooms, training space, an improved lift and a community caf�.

The building will also benefit from a two-storey extension.

Once the refurbishment has been completed by September 2010, the council will transfer its ownership of the buildings to the Barking and Dagenham Council for Voluntary Services under a 25-year lease.