LYDBROOK Memorial Hall has received some much-needed TLC thanks to the generosity of the community and a £28,000 cash injection.

After a period of neglect, the hall had become uninviting: the roof was no longer weatherproof, part of the ceiling collapsed and the heating system was inefficient. However three grants have helped change this.

The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust (GET), via The Landfill Communities Fund (LFC), provided £20,000 to help with essential work. Lydbrook Parish Council stumped up another £6,000 and the New Grove Trust gave a further £2,000 for new guttering.

A new roof was quickly organised and instated to prevent further damage. The ceiling was repaired and repainted. Regular users, the Lydbrook Players and New Life Church cleaned up the mess.

Trustee Chairman, Keith Newman said: “Our venue was slowly losing users. We had to step up and improve what the hall offered. Fortunately, with significant help from GET, Lydbrook Parish Council, and the hard work of several committee members, we were able complete the improvements. I believe these are key to a new lease of life for the hall.

“Working with local volunteers we’ve turned that cold, uninviting space into a warm, welcoming venue for all to enjoy. We hope this will unlock the doors to more users and income, allowing the hall committee to continue to manage and improve the facilities available. 2017 will usher in a hospitable, warm and safe venue to benefit the community for years to come.”

The annual pantomime, Treasure Island by the Lydbrook Players, will be hosted at the hall between December 15 and 17 at 7.30pm.

For more information about the hall or to book the venue, visit www.lydbrookmemorialhallandrecreationground.co.uk.