BRANSCOMBE Village Hall is a step closer to razing its roof after being awarded a grant worth nearly �40,000. Paul Newman, chairman of the village hall committee, was sent official confirmation last week that the committee s application to the Low Carbo

BRANSCOMBE Village Hall is a step closer to 'razing' its roof after being awarded a grant worth nearly �40,000.

Paul Newman, chairman of the village hall committee, was sent official confirmation last week that the committee's application to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 has been successful.

The grant, worth �37,500, will go towards the installation of an environmentally friendly ground source heat pump and photo voltaics, which is going to cost �75,000.

Paul said: "It is extremely good news. It has almost halved our cost for the renewable energy system. Everybody is pleased about that, especially in the last few weeks with the cold weather. We hope it will be a lot warmer next year."

The committee has also been promised a �30,000 grant by EDF-meaning the roof fund will only pay �7,500 towards the renewable energy as well as five per cent VAT and �20,000 towards essential plumbing.

But before work can be started on installing the eco-friendly equipment, the committee is waiting to hear if its application to the Community Council of Devon has been successful.

This application is for one third of the �80,000 needed to replace the existing roof. The decision is expected in March.

Paul added: "We have not heard officially from the Community Council of Devon but everybody is still hopeful.

"If it isn't successful we could on paper go ahead and pay for the roof ourselves using the Low Carbon grant towards the cost of renewables.

"The village hall committee would have to meet and discuss it as our reserves would be used up if we did that."

However, if all goes well with the application it is hoped that work will start on the roof around May time and any bookings in the hall will be "taken into consideration and managed accordingly".

* The next event in aid of the village hall roof fund is a 'race night' on Saturday, March 7. Tickets (�5) are to include food and must be bought in advance. To buy tickets please ring Catherine Newman on 07967 653963 or Mike Fielden on (01297) 680444.