A COMMUNITY centre based in the Medway Towns could be used as a template for similar schemes across the country.

The Activity Loft on the Vineries Estate, Gillingham, was opened 18 months ago as part of a strategy to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

It has become a regular stop-off for ministers since its opening in July 2006, including the former Home Secretary John Reid.

Home Office minister Meg Hillier is the latest, joining Gillingham MP Paul Clarke on a fact-finding tour later today.

Mr Clark, said: "The award winning Activity Loft is a fantastic facility and should act as a role model to any project looking to build a stronger community through a multi-agency approach."

It is hoped lessons learned from the project, set up by Moat Housing with the support of Medway Council and others will lead to it being duplicated in other areas.

A Mote House spokesman, said: "Support is needed for other such projects and the success at The Activity Loft is a testament to what can be achieved when local people work together towards a common goal.

"Previously, The Vineries was a neighbourhood that had a reputation for anti-social behaviour, vandalism and a lack of resident involvement.

"Through Moat’s Neighbourhood Fund, a grant of over £24,000 helped turn a previously vandalised vacant property into that reality.

"In addition, local out reach group, Word on the Street, secured over £100,000 in National Lottery funding to provide the community house with two youth workers for a three-year period.

Earlier this year, residents and The Activity Loft won a national ‘Peaceful and Better Neighbourhood’ award from the National Housing Federation.

The award honours excellence for resident engagement and sustainable social and environmental change. Moat’s entry for The Vineries was selected from more than 300 entries received from across the country.