Deal struck to build £400,000 village hall

10:41am Sunday 20th July 2008

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VILLAGERS today hailed the signing of a new deal to build a long awaited community hall.

Builder CG Fry & Son has been awarded the contract to build the £400,000 hall in Litton Cheney.

The breakthrough comes after decades of campaigning by villagers for a new hall.

They hope the new centre, which will be built next to Thorner's School, will open next spring.

Litton and Thorner's Community Hall (LATCH) chairman Ron Davidson said: "We are delighted that after all this time, we are in a position to start work.

"The village has never had a proper village or community hall.

"It is something that has been the goal of many people in the village for many years and we are delighted that this will now be achieved."

Enough money has been raised to start work with extra help from the Salisbury Diocese, councils and grants.

Mr Davidson added: "The hall, now costing in the region of £400,000 before fees and furnishings are taken into account, will provide an activity centre for the village's many interest groups who have had to make do with a dilapidated, now condemned, church hall, the village school and private homes in which to hold their meetings."

Pupils from Thorners School will be able to use the hall for sports and activities.

Litton-Cheney-based CG Fry & Son bid for the contract against other contractors.

Managing director Philip Fry said "We are delighted to have been chosen for the construction of the new hall.

"Our family and business has been associated with Litton Cheney for generations and it will be great to help to provide this much needed community facility."

LATCH is stepping up its fundraising - including a concert on Saturday July 19.

Mr Davidson said: "We are continuing our fundraising in order that we can furnish the hall in readiness for a myriad of activities so we will still be knocking on people's doors hoping they will give generously.

"We have even compiled a pick your own list so that people can choose what item their donation goes towards.

"We are delighted that C G Fry & Son will be carrying out the work, although they had to compete for the contract alongside several other local companies."

The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra will be playing at Thorner's School in aid of the hall on July 19.

The concert, called Jazz on a Summer Evening, starts at 7 pm. Tickets £5 and the gates open at 5.30 pm.