PARISHIONERS in Black Torrington are celebrating this week after the announcement of a £177,000 lottery grant to build a new village hall.
Every sector of the community will be able to use the new facility which will be built on the footprint of the existing hall after it is demolished.
With no disabled access, structural faults, a damp floor and virtually no heating in the winter, the current hall, which has been used since 1925, is now inadequate for community use.
Project committee team member Frank Milner said the new build would hopefully be completed by this time next year and would make a big difference to the quality of life of people in Black Torrington.
?At the moment what we can do and who we can cater for is limited,? he said.
?The biggest thing is that we will now be able to cater for people who are in wheelchairs.?
Incorporating a kitchen, toilets, meeting room and main hall, to be used for everything from badminton and indoor bowls to school activities and Brownies events, Torrington?s new parish hall will bring the
community together.
?It?s going to be fantastic and although we feel lucky to have got this grant we also feel it is thoroughly deserved,? added Mr Milner.
?I would like to thank our MP John Burnett, district councillor Alan Bewes, the parish council and all the villagers who have been right behind us on this.?
West Devon and Torridge MP Mr Burnett said he had been delighted to support the great efforts made by the Black Torrington community.
?The parish suffered badly last year through foot and mouth, and this is really great news,? he said.