Lydbury North villagers view plans for £500,000 hall

Plans for a £500,000 village hall have gone on show in south Shropshire.

On Saturday Lydbury North residents got the opportunity to view the plans, which will see the old village hall near Bishop's Castle demolished. Local women Dorothy Hunt and the late Mary Adams donated the cash needed for the rebuild.

A total of £300,000 will go towards constructing the new hall.

The rest of the money is earmarked for maintenance and management.

Villagers have agreed to build their public hall on the site occupied by the existing 1920s building.

Jackie Beaumond, from the New Parish Hall Steering Group, said: "We had around 50 people come to the event from 10am till 3pm.

"We were hoping for a few more people to attend so we are leaving the exhibition up in the village hall so those attending events in the next few weeks can also view the plans. We had very positive feedback from those who came, including a suggestions board which will be placed around the village in the coming weeks.

"We will soon have another meeting of the steering group and, barring any objections, will submit a planning application."

If the application is successful parish council chiefs hope to begin building the new hall at the end of this year or early 2013.

"The builders have told us the new hall will take about seven to eight months to complete," Ms Beaumond said.

"All the events which currently take place will have to move elsewhere. The local pub and church have offered to help."

For more details about the project call (01588) 680302.

By Peter Finch