A PUBLIC consultation into the future of Four Marks village hall has divided opinion.

Many villagers would prefer to see a refurbishment of the existing building on Lymington Bottom, others would like to see a new facility at the recreation ground.

At a meeting of Four Marks Parish Council last Wednesday, councillors and residents were given a presentation summarising the results of the consultation which took place throughout September.

There was also an opportunity to attend a drop-in session at the village hall on September 26 to ask questions, submit further comments, and have a look at some examples of what was being proposed following the consultation.

Parish clerk Sarah Goudie said: “Of the total 500 responses collated, two of the four options came out as clear leaders, with 42 per cent opting for a new building at the recreation ground, and 30 per cent for a complete refurbishment of the village hall.

“However, as 34 per cent voted the village hall refurbishment as their second option, it was agreed there was not a big enough majority for either option to move forward decisively at this stage.”

The consultation had been trigged by the fact Four Marks has grown substantially since the village hall was built some 50 years ago and, as the expansion continues, the village is outgrowing the ageing, land-locked facility.

The existing hall has problems with inadequate parking, capacity to accept all bookings, increasing maintenance requirements, and facilities which do not match those of newer halls in the area. However, it does have the advantage of a site right in the centre of the village.

The advantage of a new build on the recreation ground would be the land is owned by the Parish Council and the building could be phased.

The first phase would be covered by the sale of the current village hall site for housing, while there would be no interruption for current users as the existing hall would not be closed until the new one opens.

A community building working group was set up in October last year to look at the problem and they came up with four options, including the two mentioned above, plus continuing with the status quo and revisiting the problem in the future, and building a new hall on another site – neither of which attracted much support.

Further discussions will now be taking place with local community organisations directly involved in the two options identified as front runners to ascertain which would be the best for the village in the future.

A copy of the presentation and survey results is available online at fourmarksvillage.co.uk.