Buy a brick and support new village hall project
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to ‘buy a brick’ to support the construction of the new Hale Village Hall and become a part of the site.
The facility on High Street is being completely rebuilt at a cost of about £655,000 and is expected to be completed in August.
Nearly £500,000 was secured from the Big Lottery Fund to support the rebuilding project while other funding has come from Viridor Credits, WREN, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Hale Parish Council and Halton Borough Council.
The project still needs to raise a contribution to the new build to make finishing touches in order for the works to be fully completed.
Residents who buy a brick will have their name included on a plaque which will be on display for all to see.
The new building, on the site of the current one, will include a reception, main hall, smaller hall area, community meeting room and office space, along with new toilets and increased storage space.
There will be improved car parking and the approach to the hall will be landscaped.
The new building will provide the opportunity to widen the scope of these activities and services and will attract new groups and users to hire the hall.
Ward councillor and deputy coun- cil leader Mike Wharton said: “The village hall was in a very poor condition, but is needed as a the focal point for the various groups that exist in the village and is a popular venue for meetings and recreational activities for residents.
“At last villagers will be able to enjoy a modern, purpose-built hall that will make use of all the latest energy-efficient technologies.
“This shows what can be achieved when Halton Borough Council works closely with the parish council and residents.
“Now you have the chance to be involved too.
“You can buy a brick and be known for ever as being a part of our village history.”
The new hall will have additional meeting rooms and host a wider range of activities.
This will include for groups covering art, crafts, bingo, sequence dancing, line dancing, children’s dance and drama.
Classes for tai chi and exercise will take place, while a fundraising coffee shop will also be there.
The building will be available for hire for functions and parties.
A Halton Borough Council spokesman said: “The many, varied meetings and functions which take place in the hall provide an essential social service to the residents of the village and from the many visitors from Hal- ton and beyond that visit Hale.
“There is an opportunity for the facility to be used by businesses and service providers who want to put on training courses, advice sessions, health clinics, use office and catering facilities or, potentially, base their business or service in the village.” ● To contribute to the new facility, email tinarogerssmith@btinternet. com or call 0151 425 2635.