Like many village halls across Staffordshire, Shenstone's is well used by the whole community, ranging from the very young at playgroup to older residents at the day centre sessions on a Friday.

Chairman of the Shenstone village hall commitee Rita Hancocks with County Councillor Erica Bayliss

The venue, just south of Lichfield, serves a population of around 6,000 and is a facility of which residents and local organisations are very proud. Unfortunately it's also targeted from time to time by those carrying out antisocial behaviour, particularly vandalism.

Keeping on top of the damage costs money - which the village hall committee only has in short supply. And it means money which could be spent enhancing facilities for the community is instead spent on essential repairs.

Three years ago the village hall committee bought security cameras thanks to funding they had secured to try to tackle the vandalism. As a result the cameras have had an impact in reducing crime around the building.

Now they've been improved further thanks to funding from the village's County Councillor.

Lichfield Rural South County Councillor Erica Bayliss has used £1,684 from her allocation of the Local Member Initiative Scheme funding to pay for a new state-of-the-art base unit for the security system.

It means images from all of the cameras are clearly captured and recorded on a constant basis.

County Councillor Bayliss, who regularly attends various organisations' meetings and events at the hall, said: "Shenstone Village Hall is extremely well used and valued and I feel that spending my LMIS allocation in this way is highly appropriate.

"Village halls and community buildings in my division do not tend to get funding from other areas so it is important that the village hall committee takes advantage of such opportunities.

"I hope that this will raise awareness of the Local Member Initiative Scheme to other organisations across the county which run village halls and community buildings."

Rita Hancocks is both a parish and district councillor in addition to being chairman of the village hall committee. She applied for the funding to help improve security at the village hall.

"We do need money for the upkeep of the village hall, but security is a big issue. There have been break-ins and vandalism, particularly broken windows. The base unit for the CCTV system has been upgraded and has ensured the cameras are working to their full potential. We're hoping that we can save money by preventing vandalism and therefore spend it on other improvements.

She added: "We've also been told that the cameras are providing piece of mind to residents living near the hall. I'd sincerely like to thank Councillor Bayliss for this funding which will really make a difference to the community."

Wolstanton County Councillor Mick Clarke has helped the village bowling club to repair its clubhouse with his LMIS allocation.

The clubhouse at Wolstanton Bowling Club has had a brand new roof installed in addition to new kitchen flooring.

Left to right, club treasurer John Hadley, secretary Paul Swinhoe, President John Bebbington and County Councillor Mick Clarke.

The work was part-funded by a £1,819 grant from Councillor Clarke.

John Hadley, treasurer of Wolstanton Bowling Club, said: "These were essential repairs on our clubhouse - the old roof has been completely replaced and insulated while the new flooring has brought our kitchen up to an acceptable standard.

"We're extremely grateful to Councillor Clarke for this funding which means our members and guests can enjoy comfortable and up to date facilities."

Club president John Bebbington added: "Grants like this mean a lot because we have to do a lot of our work in house.

"The old roof had asbestos in it so it had also become a health and safety issue.

"We hope future generations will be using the facilities here in years to come."

County Councillor Mick Clarke said: "Wolstanton Bowling Club is a real jewel in this area and I didn't hesitate to help.

"I'm pleased to see the work completed on both the roof and the kitchen.

"The club has been going for 130 years and it would be great to see it attract new members to use these facilities."The club, based in Knutton Road, was formed in 1878 and also includes snooker tables. It has around 50 members and is keen for potential new members to get in touch on 0780 484 1078.

Last Modified: 06/10/2008 08:17:00
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