THE parish hall in Bere Alston could be extended and jobs created if an exciting development project currently under investigation is successful. Some of the community groups in the parish, working together with Bere Ferrers Parish Council, have been looking at ways of using funding which is available for projects which can assist in regenerating villages in parts of Devon. Representatives of 24 groups which use the hall met the council last June, from which a working group was set up. Paul Gentle, chairman of the parish hall regeneration project, said the group had come up with the idea of building a two-storey extension at the back of the parish hall. He said: ?If the project is successful, it could bring in funding not only for the build costs, but also for fixed-term jobs, which would enable the new space to be used for playgroup and after-school clubs, meeting rooms, skills training facilities including IT, and advice for new and ongoing small businesses.? Mr Gentle said there would also be scope for providing visitor information, as well as housing the offices of the parish council. The council currently occupies a single-storey building behind the hall, which would be demolished if the scheme was accepted. Just under £2,000 in funding to draw up outline plans has come from Tamar Community Futures, the Bere Alston Community Project and Bere Ferrers parish council. Funding for the actual project ? which is expected to cost just under £400,000 ? is to be applied for from European Union Objective 2 and the Rural Development Agency Rural Renaissance Fund. Mr Gentle said it was hoped to get three years of funding for the building and to put project workers in place. The intention was to have one full-time worker and two part-time ? one for business support and one for youth support. Drawings and computer-generated models produced by the architect will be on display in the parish hall on Saturday, February 26 from 10am to 5.30pm, showing various alternatives, including an extension on the side of the building where the play area is. One definite requirement is that the existing main hall and stage area ? which are popular for village shows and events ? will stay. Parishioners are invited to go along and see the plans, as their views will count in shaping the final proposal. ?It is a genuine consultation exercise,? said Mr Gentle.
