Posted on Thursday 2nd February 2012
Staffordshire County Council would like to extend the warm welcome offered by residents of Stowe by Chartley, near Stafford to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Caroline Spelman who opened their newly refurbished Village Hall on Friday 27 January.
The Village Hall Committee received £37,800 funding from the Rural Development Programme for England through the Communities Mean Business LEADER programme, administered by the County Council. The LEADER fund has issued grants worth £642,000, supporting 23 projects in communities across the programme area over the last two years.
The funding was used to provide a new insulated roof and walls, a zoned heating system and new kitchen and toilets to make the hall more customer friendly for its users.
Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman said:
"Village halls are often the nerve centres of rural communities, bringing people together and fostering an important sense of localism in our remotest areas.
"We want to see all rural communities become even better places to live and work. Our £37,800 investment will help provide the people of Stowe by Chartley with a welcoming space at the heart of their community – somewhere to socialise, learn new skills and discuss issues that affect the village as a whole."
Staffordshire County Councillor and Cabinet Member for the Environment and Assets, Mark Winnington said:
"Rural village committees play a key role in providing a focal point for community activities and facilities for their local residents. Funding for projects such as the refurbishment of Stowe by Chartley Village Hall are vital for the sustainability of these facilities.
"We were delighted to be able to support the project which is innovative and environmentally friendly, and will ensure the long term viability of this vital village resource for future generations."
Mike Beardmore Chairman of the Village Hall Committee said:
"We are all delighted with our new look village hall and were very excited that the Minister carried out the official opening for us.
"Now the refurbishment is completed, the hall is free from damp and warm for everyone to use. Bookings have increased dramatically since the first phase of the refurbishments which were carried out last year. With a new kitchen now fitted, it can be used for any event requiring extensive catering facilities or as a perfect meeting place for everyone to use. Without the funding it wouldn’t have been possible."