WORK to improve facilities at the parish hall in Bere Alston looks set to start in the autumn. The redevelopment will consist of the demolition of the parish council offices and the construction of a purpose-built two-storey extension. This extension will provide new playgroup facilities, an IT education suite, meeting rooms, kitchens, archive storage and council offices. The auditorium will consequently be available for all-day use. The development, which will cost £340,000 and should be completed by spring 2007, follows public consultation and is hoped to enhance facilities for the community and enable villagers to take part in a range of activities without having to go further afield. It is also hoped to provide more to interest young people in the village, which is the third largest community in West Devon. The hall will be managed by the Bere Alston Regeneration Partnership, which is a new charity set up specifically to run the hall on a 25 year lease from the parish council. Funding has been obtained from Devon Renaissance and Tamar Valley Services, with matched funding pledged by Plymouth College of Further Education, South West RDA and Revenue in Business Plan.