Residents of Crewe and surrounding villages now benefit from a new religious community centre - opened by the Bishop of Shrewsbury and the Mayor of Cheshire East.

St Mary's Caritas Centre, Delamere Street, was officially opened on Friday 20 January by Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies, and Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren.

Caritas is the social action and social justice agency for the Diocese of Shrewsbury - seeking to develop the Church's social mission.

St Mary's Caritas Centre was officially opened by Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies, and Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren (Nub News).

It has partnered with St Mary's Parish to open a new community centre - serving Crewe residents and the surrounding area.  

Caritas means "Christian love of humankind" and it is expressed through loving service.

In the Spirit of the Gospel, they work with children, families, groups and parishes to build stronger supportive communities wherever there is disadvantage.

The new centre has been in the planning since 2011 - initially driven by Father Jerome Fagan.

It includes a public hall, an office and a kitchen for parishioners from St Mary's RC church to meet in.

St Mary's Caritas Centre, Delamere Street, has been in the planning since 2011 (Ryan Parker).

The Crewe centre was eventually made possible through funding from the Denise Coates Foundation and many parishioners.

Cllr David Marren was 'delighted' to help officially open the new community centre - located on previously derelict land.

He told Nub News: "I was delighted to have been invited to support the opening of the new centre, in Delamere Street - alongside the Right Reverend Mark Davies.

"It will make a massive difference to the lives of some people who might be struggling."

Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren, with pupils of St Mary's Catholic Primary School (Nub News).

"I learnt the centre hosts several community organisations like LATH (Looking After the Homeless).

"On Tuesdays and Thursdays they provide hot food, clothing, support, games and more for any homeless or vulnerable residents who drop in. On Wednesdays there is also a Dementia Café.

"Lighter but enjoyable activities in the evening include an Irish Dance school and a Funky Choir.

"I understand that this is just the start. Next month the activities on offer will be widened further."

St Mary's Caritas Centre has on-site parking to the rear of the building (Ryan Parker).

"I wish all those involved in delivering services from this new centre the very best of luck."

St Mary's Caritas Centre has on-site parking to the rear of the building.

READ MORE: Man taken to hospital and two given first aid following serious collision in Crewe.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.