The Duke of Gloucester began a royal visit to Wisbech in Waterlees; one of the county’s most deprived wards.

Wisbech Standard: Civic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Vice lord-lieutenant Richard Barnwell greeted him. PHOTO: Harry RutterCivic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Vice lord-lieutenant Richard Barnwell greeted him. PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

The Duke of Gloucester began a royal visit to Wisbech in Waterlees; one of the county’s most deprived wards.

He is touring the Oasis Community Centre which manager Chris Stevens describes as “the light being shone on Waterlees”.

She said: “He will find out about all the great partnership working and exciting projects that have been and will be continuing on the ward, but also within Wisbech. “

The duke will meet some of the volunteer groups in Waterlees who were described by Mrs Stevens as “all doing fantastic work; we work for different organisations, we work together as one team”.

Wisbech Standard: Civic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry RutterCivic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

The Duke will learn about the Wisbech Community Development Trust, a small local charity that owns and runs the Oasis Community Centre.

The trust has secured funding from the People’s Health Trust to recruit 20 residents, to become community champions to create a community plan, which will be used to secure future funding for the ward.

The trust is also working with Clarion, the district and county councils, and Anglian Water to look at options for a possible Oasis extension, which will include a community café, multi-purpose sports hall and youth facility.

Wisbech Standard: Civic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry RutterCivic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

Wisbech Standard: Civic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry RutterCivic dignitaries were on hand to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester on his visit to Waterlees estate in Wisbech. Mayor Peter Human was among those to greet him, PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)