A SURVEY of residents in Whitchurch has shown a large majority think a new village hall needs to be built.

Kit Thomas, chairman of the hall trustees, said the current hall was built in about 1910 and was in a dilapidated state.

'It's showing its age, as any building would having served the community for that length of time. The adjoining gym has had to be closed down for safety reasons — we just need a nice, new, modern building,' she said.

More than 460 people of all ages took part in the survey and 90 per cent of them wanted to see the present hall replaced — 53 per cent said they would use the new hall.

'It's obvious the vast majority of local residents are certain a new hall is required, and would support it,' said Mrs Thomas.

People responding to the survey said they would like to see craft shows, musical evenings, education classes, drama, keep fit and a senior citizens' club. More than 50 of the local youngsters said they would like a youth club in the village.

Mrs Thomas said many people had also volunteered to help with fund-raising and running the hall and events held there.

Over the last ten years more than £50,000 has been raised and the committee is now making applications to various funding bodies to bring that figure up to the estimated £200,000 the building will cost.

'But of course every succeeding year that figure just gets higher,' said Mrs Thomas.

An application for Lottery funding made its way to the second stage of the process but was turned down last October. It is hoped a second application will be successful.