WORK has begun on a huge £45,000 revamp to a youth charity’s base.

An underused workshop at Teen Talk’s headquarters in Cliff Road, Dovercourt, will be transformed into a warm, welcoming community room that can be used for activities and events.

New lighting, toilets, storage space and access for wheelchair users will also be installed, while new kitchen facilities and a project screen will be bought.

Teen Talk has been given £29,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust’s landfill communities fund and £13,000 from Essex County Council’s community initiatives fund.

The remainder has been taken from its own reserves.

Members of the group’s youth forum – Harwich Inspired Youth Action – came up with the idea for the community room because of a lack of access to activities and services in the town.

Other youngsters have also been consulted at Teen Talk’s events, including the annual Hoody Festival.

Teen Talk manager Hayley Lovett said: “It is great that work started on Monday.

“We cannot wait to see the new community room finished and in use, and we have had loads of support for the plans from the whole community.

“The new room will be an accessible space where young people can meet up, take part in activities, have fun and receive support.”