£75,000 village hall improvements complete
Roofing and toilet improvements are completed at Ellerdine Village Hall as part of a £75,000 project.
But coronavirus measures mean reopening for activities will be delayed by at least further three months.
The venue was closed earlier this year for three months for the work to be carried out.
Ahead of the shutdown period the operators organised a community open day and cream tea event last month for residents and supporters to view the renovations.
Special guests at the event included founding committee member Jack Beard and Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard.
The latest work included refurbishment of the toilet block to include installation of an accessible cubicle and replacement of roof felting, along with the installation of a new hall front door.
Ellerdine Village Hall chairman Michelle Cliff said: "People came along to share their memories of the hall and a great afternoon was had by all.
"The current committee have worked hard over the last few years on improving and investing in capital projects and it was worth celebrating these improvements.
"The latest improvements in 2020 have been the investment of £75,000 to replace the felt roofing on the toilet block, reposition the internal layout of the toilet block with accessible facilities, and complete refurbish of the male and female toilets.
"Plus the installation of new automatic operating sliding entrance doors."
Events
The hall has undergone major improvements in recent years including main roof repairs, installation of a new boiler, kitchen upgrading and creating disabled parking spaces.
The costs were covered with the help of £15,000 from fundraising events held at the hall and grant funding.
These included £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Anniversary Fund, £1,800 from the Rank Foundation, £9,700 from the National Lottery Community Fund, £5,000 from the Bernard Sunley Trust, £13,000 from Action with Communities in Rural England, £500 from Ercall Magna Parish Council and £100 from Telford & Wrekin Council's Pride funding.
Mr Pritchard said: "Congratulations to the Ellerdine Village Hall committee members, villagers and volunteers for having successfully completed the upgrade and improvements to Ellerdine Village Hall.
"The hall is a vital community asset. Very well done to everyone involved."
While in lock down the committee has applied to Telford & Wrekin Council for a £10,000 Retail, Leisure and Hospitality grant funded by the government to cover costs in preparation for re-opening.
Depending on government guidance, a flower show is scheduled for August 16 featuring a potato growing competition for all ages.
More details about the hall, in Cliff Crescent, is available via Facebook.
