Villagers vote on new hall site

A Devon village is to hold a referendum to decide the location of its village hall.

The 200 residents will decide if Littlehempston's church should be converted for use as a hall, or whether a separate building should be used.

The idea of using the church came from the rector, the Reverend Nicholas Pearkes, who has responsibility for five rural churches.

One, at Landscove, is used by the local school for assembly and concerts.

Refurbish church

Reverend Pearkes said: "There used to be a village hall, but it was sold in the 60s.

"My idea is to utilise the interior of the church by making a hall within it with a modern kitchen and modern loos."

But some of the villagers have proposed the separate building.

A public meeting has been held in the church to explore both possibilities, and it was agreed that a ballot should be held.

The date of the referendum is still to be decided.