Live performances could be a thing of the future for one community centre which has just been granted thousands of pounds to renovate their stage area.

The Parkside Community Centre, Goodmayes Lane, Goodmayes has been awarded £5,000 to remove the asbestos from the stage area and scenery storage room.

The area has been sealed off since 2011 after tests found asbestos in the ceiling.

The centre hopes they will be able to complete the work by September.

It is home to dance and drama groups, music classes and playgroups as well tuition classes and sports activities.

Area committee six awarded the money during their meeting last week.