Plans to restore and revitalise the valued but rundown Shenfield Parish Hall have received a serious blow, with the refusal of lottery cash.

The National Lottery Charities Board has turned down requests for cash to help the £500,000 project.

Parish hall development group chairman, Colin Finch, said: "This is a huge disappointment and a very serious blow to our ambitions to restore and revitalise the building."

But there is still a glimmer of hope, with the charities board leaving the door open for a fresh application after more local fundraising.

Mr Finch said: "It is such a vital part of our lives and a great many people have devoted much of their time and energy to the project over the last three years.

''We cannot allow local people's generosity to be wasted as we face this hurdle."

Opened in 1923 as a World War I memorial and now run as a registered charity, the Hutton Road hall needs urgent work to bring it up to modern standards and conform to hygiene and safety laws.

Mr Finch said: "The refurbishment would be a fitting tribute to those local people who also lost their lives in subsequent conflicts and would provide new and better facilities for young people, and others, growing up in this community."

More than 40 local organisations use Shenfield Parish Hall, which serves Shenfield, Hutton and the surrounding area.

Most of the funds raised so far, about £100,000, have come from covenants, private donations and from special fundraising events.

Fundraising team leader, Campbell Pulley, said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their tremendous effort and generosity so far. I remain confident that our local target of £250,000 is achievable."

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