£200,000 hall restoration project plea

A MAJOR restoration project to breath life in the parish hall in Lydgate is under way with organisers hoping to raise a staggering £200,000.

Deteriorating in recent years, St Anne’s Parish Hall is at the moment only suitable for one group at a time to use the 150-year-old former school.

However organisers have big plans to transform it into a central hub for local community groups.

Organiser Al Gillian said: “Although it has been extended and we have spent a lot of money on it over the years, at least £130,000 is needed to bring it up to standard. The demand is there, especially in the evenings and weekends but we’re conscious of the need to improve access.”

The main room is already brimming with activity, with Scouts, girl guides and a 70-strong dance troop making regular use of the space.

However difficulty in accessing the various rooms is limiting usage at any one time.

St Anne’s Church bought the building, in Stockport Road, from the local education authority in 1967.

Now members hope that community spirit, and a helping hand from the Love Lydgate group, will see the building blossom into a cherished neighbourhood meeting point.

Al Gillian, from Grasscroft, said: “I think there is a growing trend to the feeling of community and people wanting to actively partake in one.

“That is definitely the feeling that we’re getting that people want to meet with those that live nearby and be a true community.

To get involved call Al on 01457-870162.