Funding lifeline for Shireoaks Village Hall restoration project

Shireoaks Village Hall is a Grade II-listed building that has been serving the community in a variety of ways since it was first built in 1810.

However time and usage are now starting to take their toll, even though work on the hall has been undertaken from time to time, most recently in 2009 to redo the dining room floor.

It is now in need of considerable refurbishment to maintain and improve what it offers by updating the electrical and lighting systems, the kitchen, the heating and the toilet facilities.

Viridor Credits Environmental Company has given the project £80,000 from the Landfill Communities Fund, with £20,000 funding from the church, allowing work to start at the beginning of December.

Peter Stanley, treasurer, said: “We are grateful to Viridor Credits for the funding which has enabled us to start work in December.

“It is an exciting project and one which will make a lasting contribution to our local community.”

Gareth Williams, operations manager at Viridor Credits, said: “Facilities like Shireoaks Village Hall are the centre of village life and it was with pleasure that the board was able to contribute to this ambitious project.”

Viridor Credits Environmental was established in 2001 and seeks applications from not-for-profit groups, organisations and community groups.