VILLAGERS are celebrating after two years of renovation work has finally been completed.

The trustees of Alresford Village Hall worked in partnership with the parish council and several grant funding partners.

A total of £65,000 in funding was secured from bodies including Tendring District Council, Essex Council and Tarmac Limited.

Now the final phase of the village hall trustee’s £100,000 refurbishment programme has been completed.

The hall was built in 1937 and now has a new, spacious lobby, accessible disabled toilet with a connecting ramp at the main entrance, cloakroom and multi-purpose additional meeting room.

Construction work started in June 2015 after the first phase of the project ended in September 2012.

The earlier developments to the building included putting in new changing rooms, a parish council office, sports pavilion and refurbishments to the village hall toilets.

Russell Milburn, chair of the trustees, said: “The main reason for doing this was on the back of an Alresford household survey done in 2010/1.

“Residents wanted a bigger reception area and new toilets among other things, so we’ve given them what they asked for.

“It was a priority for us to improve access so everyone can enter the hall through the same entrance whether they’re young, senior, able or less able.

“We wanted a reception which would provide a safe and well-lit area of refuge for those who are bringing or picking up users of the hall.”

The hall is well used weekdays and and weekend hire of the building is expected to increase as a result of the extension.

He added: “Benefits like reduced energy costs will allow hire fees to be kept at the lowest levels, which should encourage continued and improved hire.

“Alongside the improved disabled access, this makes the hall a welcoming and hospitable venue for the community to enjoy.”