A community base which faced the axe a short time ago is now on the verge of a £1.4million transformation.

Plans are progressing to transform Peter Street community centre into a much-improved neighbourhood based that will offer a raft of new facilities for Queens Park residents.

Volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the centre's survival after learning the council planned to withdraw funding, say they are thrilled by the proposals.

Meanwhile the future of the Chain Lane community centre, which St Helens Council will also stop funding, looks secure as St Helens Together hopes to attract the local Primary care Trust to set up a health facility there. Rents paid by organisations, such as the PCT and Homestart, should sustain the buildings and allow community clubs such as aerobics and mum and tots classes to continue.

Audrey Twiss, chair of Peter Street steering committee, said: "We're thrilled by the plans. It has been a lot of effort, and at one stage we feared the centre could be lost. But the area should now benefit from some great facilities."

Peter Street has secured more than £700,000 funding towards a planned £1.4million refurbishment project to convert the base into a Neighbourhood Centre.

A decision on whether the project goes ahead now depends on whether the government approving a funding bid.

Under the plans agencies such as the CVS, Homestart and Learn Direct would be based there, along with police wardens and council environmental wardens. User groups would be able to use much-improved facilities.

Peter Street is due to close following its centenary celebrations on February 19. Management hope that once funding is granted work could begin in March, with a completion target of December.