A NEW manager has taken the helm at Picket Twenty Community Centre, and he has big ambitions to put the hall “on the map” for the whole of Andover.

Alan Nunn has joined the community hub following time spent as a trustee and ultimately wants as many people to benefit from the centre as possible.

From baby sensory classes to Zumba classes and bingo the venue in Picket Twenty Way has a number of regular groups, and often puts on entertainment for the whole community to enjoy.

Previously the hub has welcomed a spiritual medium, a tribute act and has even organised an outdoor cinema, all proving popular.

Former transport manager and doorman Alan started the role on June 26 and is looking to take the community centre to the next level.

He said: “I want to build up and try and use my experience to put the centre on the map. I offered my services doing a three to six-month trial to see if we can bring up the business. Trying to bring more to Picket Twenty.”

Alan said that before the centre’s trustees were “scared to open the doors”, but that has since changed since he has come onboard.

“It is about having that welcome, having somebody to meet and greet and deal with customers problems to give them a sense of security and ease.”

And the centre has been giving a helping hand by staff at Sainsbury’s, in Shepherds Spring Lane, to give it a fresh new look.

The team nominated the hub as part of the chain’s 150th anniversary, in which stores were given 150 hours to volunteer in their community.

For four days last month a team of helpers painted a former storeroom, which took Alan five days to clear, and a tired meeting room to give them a new lease of life.

“I think it just looks great, Sainsbury’s has done a fantastic job. It gives the room a fresh feel rather than oppressive.”

Sainsbury’s Shop assistant Wayne Logan added: “I think the room is good, it looks a lot better, it is more welcoming.”

The team will be back later this month to paint the main hall in order to give it a fresh look.