VOLUNTEERS at an Easterhouse community hub are celebrating after securing victory in their bid to secure a permanent residence.

The state-of-the-art Phoenix Centre faced closure just four years after opening as its lease was due to end later this year.

The Shandwick Street venue, which underwent a major revamp in 2016, revealed the lease had since been extended by ten years and thanked the Evening Times for backing their campaign to keep the centre open.

Founder Richard McShane said: "We've been granted a 10 years which could go up to 25 years so it's great.

"It gives us sustainability and helps people in the area feel confident using the service.

"I wanted to thank the Evening Times for what they've done for the centre because it kept our campaign in the public domain."

We previously told how Mr McShane and the community worked tireless to transform the formerly derelict library into a community centre, raising £100,000 to complete the work.

Today, it offers a host of clubs for locals to try, such as a boxing club, a gym area and a woman's club with a new cycling group due to start up in the near future.

Its aim is to help those living in the area fulfill their lifelong ambitions by improving their skills and helping them to keep fit.

Mr McShane says it provides a vital lifeline to those in the area who are struggling.

"One guy came in a few months ago, his head was down. He asked to use the weights," he said.

"He's been doing that for the last seven months, he suffers from depression and a couple of days ago he said I wouldn't be in as much.

"I asked 'why' and he said it's because he's going back to university. It's completely transformed him. It's amazing."

Now the centre has been granted a long-term lease, it's able to apply for larger funding grants which the group are keen to take advantage of.

It's not yet known what they would be looking to invest in, however, Mr McShane says a plan is currently being worked on regarding the matter.

He added: "It's great for us. Everyone is happy. It's given us so many opportunities.

"We can think ahead for the next five to 10 years now.

"It's absolutely amazing."

Glasgow City Council, the centre's landlord, has been contacted for comment.