Plans for new village hall move a step closer

The Big Lottery Fund has awarded £26,000 to help make the village hall and a community shop become a reality.

Alex Fisher, chair of Wessington Parish Council, said: “This is great news for Wessington.”

The bid was put forward by Paul Emmerson, chair of the Wessington Village Hall Fund.

He said the group will consult with residents to provide an exciting programme of social events at the hall, which is expected to be built just off the A615 through the village.

He added: “We know there is a lot of interest in running a wide-range of events and activities to suit all ages.”

Steve Haslam, of Mitchell Proctor Architects, which has supported the group’s application, added: “We are delighted with this news.

“This is a just reward for the village and for the efforts of the whole team.”

The fund will submit another application next April to secure further funding of up to £450,000 for the construction of the facilities.

A full planning application is to be submitted next year.

It is hoped the new village hall and community shop will open in 2015.