AN AMBITIOUS project to refurbish St Clement’s Church Hall in Neyland has got underway.

A team of locals have rolled up their sleeves, in a bid to make the hall warmer and more comfortable for the coming winter for the numerous Kommunity groups who use it.

The first phase was to remove the rotten cladding from the north wall, and also the old windows and fire door.

New cladding and insulation will be put in place and the windows will be replaced with double-glazed ones of a similar design to the original ones.

The front of the hall will be painted to match the new cladding.

Inside the toilet facilities have all been cleaned up and given a much-needed fresh coat of paint.

It is also planned to improve the disabled access, and to provide baby-changing and toddler group facilities.

The project is masterminded by curate John Hancock, who has successfully negotiated donations and discounts from building firms for some of the materials needed.

He also organises the team of enthusiastic volunteers from across the community.

It is hoped that this first phase will be completed by the early autumn, but a lot of work will remain to be done over the next two years.

If you can help in any way at all – time, materials, know-how, skills, or provisions for the workers – then John would love to hear from you.

Telephone 07960 733257 or email john.hancock3@me.com