DESPITE numerous set backs Branscombe Village Hall Committee are working hard to obtain much needed funding to improve the building. Paul Newman, chairman of the village hall committee, told the Herald that although they have had their ups and downs they

DESPITE numerous set backs Branscombe Village Hall Committee are working hard to obtain much needed funding to improve the building.

Paul Newman, chairman of the village hall committee, told the Herald that although they have had their ups and downs they are remaining positive and hopeful.

He said: "We are still going through a fairly drawn out process but we are working hard."

The committee are liaising closely with the Community Council of Devon (CCD) and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme phase 2 on two separate applications, which if successful, will provide the cash windfall needed.

An application will soon be submitted to the CCD for £46,000 to go towards a new roof.

Paul said: "The application will be finalised around Christmas and then hopefully we will be given a decision in February or March."

The green-minded committee will also be submitting an application to the Low Carbon organisation to ask for 50 per cent of the money needed to buy an environmentally friendly ground source heat pump and photo voltaics.

EDF have already promised the committee up to £30,000 which they intend to use to fund the heat and electricity.

Paul said: "We want the whole building to be sustainable.

"The two projects are integral and they compliment each other to come up with a finished sustainable building."

The committee has hosted numerous concerts and events to raise money and it is hoping to collect more money before the works go ahead.

Paul added: "We would be very grateful for anyone who would kindly donate money to our cause."

Paul can be contacted at paultnew@tiscali.co.uk.