First phase of hall work is completed

THE refurbishment of Harthill Village Hall is now well underway thanks to two grants worth thousands of pounds.

Much needed repairs to the roof and brickwork have been completed and a new boiler added after the Veolia Environmental Trust awarded a £19,000 grant.

A new kitchen and lounge has also been added courtesy of a £22,000 donation from Harthill with Woodall Parish Council.

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The hall is used by hundreds of people each year and is home to around 20 local groups and organisations, including mother and toddler, Harthill Youth Club, Over 60s and the WI. It also receives many private bookings for events such as weddings and birthday parties.

Chairman of Harthill Village Hall Ltd, Brian Shutt said: “We are very pleased that this project is underway and delighted with the work done so far. The hall is the hub of the village and we are keen to add new activities to an already vibrant schedule as soon as we can.”

“Modernising the building is a vital part of our plans so we are very grateful to the Veolia Environmental Trust and the parish council for the tremendous support we have received so far.”

Executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust Margaret Cobbold added: “We are glad we have been able to support the recent improvements that have been completed at Harthill Village Hall with a grant made through the Landfill Communities Fund.”

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“It is vital that village halls such as this are maintained so they can continue to be used by their communities for a wide variety of local events and activities.”

There is a long way to go to complete all of the work and HVH Ltd estimate that a further £100,000 is needed to fund a refit of the main hall, new lighting and electrics and an extension to house an IT suite.

Finance director Ian Lloyd said: “It’s a long haul and it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure funding for projects like ours.”

“We are greatly encouraged by the start we’ve made and have no doubts that we will go on to finish the job and produce a village hall that Harthill and the surrounding area can be proud of.”