Shropshire Star

Hall near Bridgnorth reopens after safety fears closure

Hundreds of pounds in takings have been lost after village hall was forced to temporarily close for urgent floor repairs.

Published

Planned events were relocated after ongoing renovation work at Eardington Village Hall, in Eardington, near Bridgnorth, saw the premises shut two months ago on health and safety grounds.

But the venue, which is popular with community groups and families, will officially reopen this week in time for a fundraising quiz night on Friday, organised by the hall’s committee.

Residents volunteered to carry out temporary repairs by installing a plywood floor with materials donated by business James Latham Timber Co. Village hall chairman Brian Williams said: “We are now reopened for light activities that can go ahead on the temporary floor.

“We did have to close the hall completely since May but the local residents have been brilliant.

“The boards were donated and the Latham staff helped the hall volunteers to fit it.

“We have also had to do some decorating to get up and running once more.”

The village hall is undergoing a much-needed facelift costing in the region of £90,000 to help secure its future.

Work was recently completed to install new windows and to carry out improvements to the toilets at a cost of £30,000.

A further £59,000 worth of renovation work is now required for a new heating system at the School Lane premises, which was saved from closure 16 years ago following a campaign.

Volunteers who currently help keep the venue running John Payne, Peter Blaze, Graham Gavan, Michael Whatmore, Neil Gavan and Richard Ford.

Mr Williams said the committee had lost about £1,000 in income after being forced sent regular groups elsewhere while the work was carried out. “We are hoping that all of them will come back now,” he said.

“We have also already submitted some grant applications to charitable funding bodies to help raise the money to complete the revamp of the hall including a permanent floor.”

Fish and chips will be served during the quiz night on Friday in the hall, which starts at 7pm.

Entry costs £6. For further information about the quiz call 01746 761969.