A BID by Alfington residents to secure town council funding for the first time in 20 years to improve the village hall edged closer to becoming a reality on Monday.

A BID by Alfington residents to secure town council funding for the first time in 20 years to improve the village hall edged closer to becoming a reality on Monday.

Ottery Town councillors unanimously backed and pledged funding for proposals which include replacing discoloured flooring and a rusty cooker in the kitchen in Alfington Village Hall as well as install a new stainless steel sink, preparation surfaces and a new heating system.

While councillors agreed to provide financial support, the exact amount will be decided at a grants committee meeting next month.The hall last received funding from Ottery town council in 1987 when it contributed towards some toilets.

Councillor Roger Giles said: "It's a vitally important community facility for Alfington and with the loss of the pub in the last 12 months it has taken on an even greater impact."

Alfington's Parochial Church Council (PCC) is coordinating the bid and needs to raise a third of the £7,500 required before county and district councils will consider stumping up further cash.

Villagers have already raised £900 and are hopeful the town council can help them reach their £2,500 target. Town council grants are typically handed out in April.

Alfington PCC secretary Lindsay Norton said: "We waited until 1987 for flush toilets so we can wait until April for this.

"Its been a wonderful hall with a lot of character. Improvements are badly needed and would make it more attractive. We hope people would hire it.

All my children had birthday parties in there when they were kids and it should hold village events.

It's the only place apart from the church we have as a meeting place, and you can't really go there (the church) for a party. We can encourage the village to use it more and meet. When we do it is a really enjoyable experience."

Town council treasurer Paul Lewis said: "For a small community of 200 people to be raising substantial amounts of money is commendable. In the context of the size of Ottery, £900 is a considerable amount.