A CHERISHED community hall in Empshott, near Selborne, is to be brought up to standard with an extension, new toilets and other refurbishments.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has put £15,000 toward the works which will cost just over £50,000 in total.

The hall, called the Village Hut, is owned by Empshott Parochial Church Council and was originally built in 1914.

Due to its age, the current facilities are in poor condition and the toilet is not accessible to wheelchair users. A questionnaire among villagers showed that upgraded, modern facilities would encourage more residents to use the hall.

The project will improve the Village Hut and provide better facilities for residents, allowing them to use the hut for events on a more regular basis.

As well as a new extension, the building will also have two new toilets fitted, one for disabled use. The main hall will be refurbished with work on the wooden floor, replacing the heating and lighting systems with modern, low-energy options, better insulation and upgraded electrical fittings.

Funding has also been secured from Hampshire County Council, Hawkley Parish Council and other organisations. Fundraising events were also held, including a performance by nationally-renowned country duo Ward Thomas, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, who grew up in Empshott.

Julie Butler, the district council’s portfolio holder for customer service, said: “Cabinet grants have very strict criteria and we expect the applicants to have looked at all other funding opportunities before they come to us. The successful bids always have a really pro-active team behind them and projects that can show a real benefit to the wider community.”