The youth centre was first opened in the 1960s

Maesyrhandir Youth Centre in Newtown will reopen in September after its major makeover.

The decades have taken their toll on the 40-year-old building and the roof and windows need replacing.

Another youth centre in the town at the Old College will close next month with staff and resources switching to Maesyrhandir.

A survey of the youth centre by Powys Council last year found that it was in a seriously poor condition and councillors have now voted to improve it.

As well as the refurbishment inside, the centre's walls will be insulated and rendered.

We have very little in Newtown for young people Newtown mayor Elizabeth Sheriff

Powys councillor Bob Mills, who represents Newtown's south ward which includes Maesyrhandir, said the youth centre had been "unfit" for public use for some time.

"The work has needed doing for some years and I welcome the news that the centre will be refurbished," he said.

"Children in the area have often asked me what was in store for the youth centre and I can now tell them that a new one will be built."

He said the new centre would help keep the youngsters off the streets.

Newtown mayor Elizabeth Sheriff also welcomed the development.

"We have very little in Newtown for young people," she said. "We're pleased with any new developments in the town that will help young people."

Major sporting facilities will also be near the refurbished centre.

A few hundred metres away is Newtown's Maldwyn leisure centre, an all-weather pitch, a running track and a football pitch.