AN EXTENSION to a much-loved village hall is to give a welcome boost to residents in Stebbing. Work on building in Mill Lane is nearing completion, but the way it has been funded is somewhat revolutionary, according to secretary of the village hall truste

AN EXTENSION to a much-loved village hall is to give a welcome boost to residents in Stebbing.

Work on building in Mill Lane is nearing completion, but the way it has been funded is somewhat revolutionary, according to secretary of the village hall trustees committee, Dorothy Pelham.

"We have renovated cottages next to the hall with a view to renting them out," she said. "The income we receive from rent will help pay for the upkeep of the hall once the vital extension is completed."

Along with the money from the cottages, the trustees have received grants totalling �25,000.

The landfill community fund, provided by Viridor, has given �18,000 due to the villages' proximity to Elsenham quarry. Plus a �3500 grant has been provided by Uttlesford District Council.

Mrs Pelham added: "The extension is very much needed because we have many clubs, groups and societies who use the building and we are running out of space. We hope by adding this extra space and facilities we can provide a modern village hall for a long time to come."

Included in the extension is a new fitted kitchen, storage space for club equipment and chairs, a toilet block with disabled access and extra function rooms.

The hall was last renovated 13 years ago and it was then that a kitchen was added but the facilities have gradually gone out of date.

Chairman of trustees Hilary Adams said: "We are really excited about the opening of the extension and would anticipate that it will be ready very soon. We have great ambitions for the hall and we hope that further grants or donations can be obtained."

She added: "I would like to thank all of the trustees for their hard work and dedication in getting this project underway.