Grants help improve village halls

Villages across Surrey are about to improve their community halls following the allocation of £138,000 in grants by the county council.

Its community building grants scheme is intended to help keep facilities in good order so they can remain the focal points of the villages.

"The buildings are often the homes of a vast range of different organisations," said councillor Chris White.

"It is important we maintain their fabric and their facilities."

Surrey County Council said the grant would allow Bookham Community Association to refurbish the kitchen of its tithe barn, used by 100 affiliated organisations.

West Horsley Village Hall will also get new kitchen fittings, while the Lord Riddell Memorial Hall in Tadworth will get an improved kitchen, toilets and double glazing.

Weybridge Methodist Church is to fit a new boiler and heating system, as well as double glazing.

And All Saints New Haw Parochial Church Council will demolish an old hut and replace it with a new building.

At Byfleet, the village hall car park will be resurfaced.

Funding for projects is split into three, with the county council, local authority and the applicant contributing.

A total of 10 organisations have been allocated grants for 2008/09.