RESIDENTS have backed plans to transform a disused church in Sandleheath into a village hall.

St Aldhelm’s Church has been chosen as the site of the prospective new community facility and a meeting was held on Monday evening to decide whether to move forward with the plans.

It was standing room only at the meeting as around 70 residents and other interested parties attended to find out more about the project.

Sandleheath Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation has been set up to lease St Aldhelm’s from the church authorities and make the village hall proposal a reality.

Speaking after the meeting, trustee Mike Richardson said: “This was the result that we have worked for so long to achieve. We are delighted that our fellow residents have decided to take up the challenge.

“Creating the village hall and raising the funds necessary to do so will be a fine community project that should bring the village together, and the result will be a splendid facility of which we will all be proud. It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and press ahead.”

Sandleheath parish councillor Simon Dakin, the chairman of the trustees, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the proposal.

An overwhelming majority of those present at the meeting voted in favour of the project and also offered practical support to move the project forward.

The trustees intend to obtain the much-loved building on a long-term lease from the church, then convert it into an up-to-date community centre.

The trustees, with the help of the local community, will be fundraising and grants will also be applied for to bring the village hall project to fruition.

Approximately £100,000 is needed for the refurbishment.

To find out more about the village hall project visit the Facebook page at sandleheathvillagehall.com