THE development of Lindford's first village hall is gathering pace, as money has been secured to complete the interior of the building. At a meeting on Tuesday last week, East Hampshire district councillors voted to use £17,296 of developers' contributions to complete the project. District councillor and Lindford resident, Yvonne Parker-Smith said: "It's fantastic news. The new hall will be kitted out with everything we need, so all kinds of events can take place there. "From yoga classes to birthday parties, the hall will be our new community meeting place. "It is hoped that the parish council will hold meetings there and the parish clerk will have a dedicated office in the building. That would allow any residents with concerns or problems to drop in and seek advice. "We are currently using the chapel hall of the Methodist church for community meetings, and although the hall is very welcoming, it can be quite restrictive." County councillor Adam Carew said: "I am delighted to see Lindford Village Hall is almost ready and I strongly support making the money available to help equip it. "The money is coming out of developers' contributions from Chase Rd and as such it belongs to the parish – I feel district councillors have no option but endorse what the local community has requested and so obviously deserve." The works will include semi-sprung flooring to the main room, provision of kitchen equipment, blinds, notice boards and setting out and initial maintenance of the open space adjacent to the hall. The hall will also be fitted with a hearing loop system for users with impaired hearing. Mr Carew granted £1,666 to the hall, as part of the county councillor's grant scheme for the project. It is hoped the village hall will open in July.
