Work has started on an ambitious upgrade project at Catworth Village Hall.

The venue’s management committee announced that contractors Wisniewski and Jeffries from Tilbrook had begun work to build a new entrance lobby, meeting room, store room, and safe play area.

The meeting room will also be configured with folding doors that open it up to the main hall, for larger functions.

According to the committee, one of the objectives of the project is to create a facility that is accessible to the disabled and those with restricted mobility and hearing.

Catworth Village Hall chairman, Andrew Moore, said: “We are pleased that the project has started 50 years after the building was secured for the village, and eight years after phase one works to provide new toilets.

“The project removes all of the maintenance head-aches associated with the old Victorian school buildings, and the new space will enable more village groups to use the hall and increase access to those with mobility difficulties.”

The project has been financed by fundraising in the community including a buy-a-brick Club, bequests, a grant from WREN’s community action fund of £47,500, and the Amey Community Fund.

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated through the Landfill Communities Fund. The Amey Community Fund is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and is part of a voluntary environmental tax credit scheme called the landfill communities fund.

Cheryl Raynor, WREN’s local grant manager, said: “It’s always nice to see something we have funded start to take shape. We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefiting the local community in Catworth and the surrounding area.”

For more information about WREN funding contact Cheryl Raynor at cheryl.raynor@wren.org.uk or visit www.wren.org.uk.

Further details on the project and the activities in Catworth Village Hall visit www.catworthvillagehall.co.uk.