VILLAGERS who rallied round to save a village hall have praised a major refurbishment project which has paved the way for the future.

Residents in Mistley were growing concerned about the sustainability of the village hall after its income took a drastic hit during the pandemic.

Government restrictions meant it could not be hired out, meaning the main source of funding was lost.

Speaking at the hall’s annual general meeting, the committee’s chairwoman Iris Peacock said: “It has been a difficult year. We’ve not been able to hire out the hall so our income dropped like a stone.

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“But thanks to the support grants, we have turned the difficulties into an opportunity.”

Mrs Peacock said there had been periods during lockdown when the future of the hall looked bleak. Only Mistley Kids Club – which provides childcare for the community – was allowed to hire it out.

However, the village hall committee seized the opportunity presented by business support grants and as a result a major programme of refurbishment and redecoration was undertaken.

“When you come back into the hall you will be amazed at what we have done,” Mrs Peacock added.

“Plastering, new lighting and the lounge has been remodelled. We aim to be a really attractive venue for a wide range of community groups to use. We have turned adversity into opportunity.”

The works come at the close of a chapter for Mrs Peacock, who announced she will now be stepping down from her role as chairwoman due to ill-health.

Incoming chairwoman Rosemary Smith paid tribute to Mrs Peacock’s years of dedication.

She said: “We wouldn’t be where we are now without her.We couldn’t have taken the opportunity.”