A COMMUNITY hall that was in dire need of repair has been given a much-needed makeover.
The Community Hall of Himley Road Methodist Church in Dudley, constructed more than a century ago, has been refurbished.
This was made feasible by a grant exceeding £44,000 from Enovert Community Trust (ECT), provided through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).
The original slate roofs and their fixings had started to deteriorate, resulting in regular leaks and, despite ongoing patching up, had reached the stage where a complete renewal was the only option. The grant from ECT has enabled the complete replacement of the slate roofs on the main and small halls, including adding a further 300mm of insultation above the suspended ceiling, to help improve the energy efficiency of the hall.
As part of the overall project the flat roof on the toilet block was also replaced, new LED lights were fitted and kitchen units were replaced.
Mike Timmins, property secretary at the church, said: "The Community Hall is such an important asset within the local area that we had to find a way to make the repairs and keep it open for everyone to use.
"We are now leak-free, energy efficient and our kitchen is fit for purpose.
"We are so grateful for the generous funding from ECT, which has already made a big difference and hopefully will enable us to provide this community facility for another 100 years."
Angela Haymonds, trust manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: "Community spaces are such an important fabric of society, where young and old can go and participate in activities.
"The trustees were very pleased to be able to support this project and hopefully preserve the hall into the next century."
The Community Hall is used throughout the week by many different groups such as the Brownies and Guides, gym classes, the local youth club and an over 55s group.