NEW windows have been installed in the East Oxford Community Centre after a year-long drive to get planning permission.

The nine windows will provide better sound insulation, replacing windows which have been there since the centre was built in 1871.

Work began in late August and was completed last week, thanks in part to a £4,880 grant from Oxford City Council.

The remainder of the money needed to buy the windows – £3,000 – was raised through profits from the centre’s bar.

The centre received the grant more than four years ago, and organisers have waited until now to get the project finished.

Mary-Jane Sareva, vice-chairwoman of the East Oxford Community Association, which runs the centre, said getting planning permission from the city council was behind the delay.

She said: “About a year ago we were told by the council that we needed planning permission and it just took forever to sort.

“It was really tedious, but the windows look great. The old ones were not dangerous or anything, but we had to stop putting on some events in the centre’s lounge because of the noise getting to the residents.

“The new ones have acoustic glass, which means that there will be less noise.”

The installation comes as the centre looks to refurbish its lounge and main hall.

Community association chairman Don O’Neal, chairman of East Oxford Community Association, said the group was in the process of choosing what colour to paint the walls, as well as repolishing wooden floors.

He added: “We’re going to get new quotes in the next few weeks.”

A city council spokesman said: “The East Oxford Community Centre has worked hard in partnership with the council to get the right scheme for the centre, the community and the council.”

A new community bingo night started at the centre earlier this month and will be held every Tuesday from 7.30pm until 10.30pm.

The centre is also hosting its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 23, from 7pm until 8.30pm.

Visit eastoxford.org for more information