A Resident Resource Centre, packed with computers offering internet access, a library and a meeting room, was officially opened last night (7th Feb) - for tenants and leaseholders who live in homes managed by Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) to use free of charge.

Councillors, board members, chairs and secretaries of residents' associations, as well as tenants and leaseholders attended the opening ceremony at Chancel House, Neasden Lane.

Brent councillor, James Allie, lead member for housing, officially opened the centre. He said: "The Resident Resource Centre is just one of the latest examples of the initiatives Brent Housing Partnership uses to encourage residents to get involved in the running of their homes and estates.

"BHP wants to see residents' associations taking advantage of the centre and telling their neighbours all about it."

The Resource Centre will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm with the possibility of evenings - subject to staff availability. All of BHP's 13,500 tenants and leaseholders are invited to use the facilities.

Not only does it house computers, local newspapers, printers and photocopiers but it will also be used as a training centre for residents. Courses to help improve IT skills, health awareness and presentation skills will be on offer to residents.

Chair of BHP board, Kathy Ellison, said: "Residents play an important role in running BHP and many have got involved and join in when ever they can. We hope that even more tenants and leaseholders will come and use the resident resource centre, get involved and get the bug."

A member of staff will be available, by appointment, to offer residents help to use the facilities and deal with any queries.

For more information call the Resident Involvement Team on 020 8937 2579.