WRECCLESHAM’S Leverton Hall at St Peter’s Church in Beales Lane, is now a more accessible space for community events and activities, thanks to the installation of a platform lift and the laying of new paths.

The external platform-lift serves the entrances of the church and the hall, and the new paths have made the two buildings accessible to all.

The church was opened in 1840 and it was modified and refurbished in the 1860s. It stands at the centre of the village.

As well as being a place of worship, it is well-used by the wider community for events and activities, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Built in the 1970s, the hall is situated behind the church. It comprises a large multi-use room that is easily subdivided by a sliding screen.

It has a galley style kitchen, a sound system with integrated ceiling-mounted microphone, and an induction loop.

A wide range of groups and organisations use the hall throughout the week, including ‘Boogie Beat’ classes for toddlers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, a singing group, yoga classes, karate classes, the local history society, Pilates and a playgroup, as well as one-off fundraising and social events and private parties.

The work was the second phase of a project to re-order the church and provide access for all to it and the hall.

It cost nearly £50,000 and funding came from several sources, including The Veolia Environmental Trust, who awarded £20,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The first phase, which started in November 2015, focused on the church. A new floor was laid, underfloor heating was fitted and a new door was created.

In addition, the pews have been replaced with flexible seating, new lighting and audio-visual systems have been installed and the interior redecorated.

Church warden Christopher Ellis said: “We are really grateful to The Veolia Environmental Trust for their support for this project. It has created much-needed easy access for all to both the church and the hall and enables all members of the community to benefit from the wide range of activities that take place there.”

The executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, added: “It is great to hear that this project is now completed. I hope the improvements enable the community’s use of the church and hall to flourish.”