Scores of community groups in Sidford set to benefit from £21,000 refurbishment project

Thanks for grants to contribute to improvements in village hub

Scores of community groups that use Sidford Social Hall now have toilet facilities ‘fit for the 21st century’, thanks to a £21,000 refurbishment project.

The popular village hub – that recently faced closure due to lack of committee members – is said to be thriving more than ever as trustees mark the successful completion of ambitious renovation work in the ladies’ and gents’ loos.

Treasurer Peter Eagles particularly thanked Councillor Stuart Hughes for allocating additional funds to cover £1,500 of unforeseen costs that could have otherwise hit the community hall coffers.

Mr Eagles said: “The hall is booked throughout the week and there are approximately 10 groups that use it on a regular basis – the main ones being The Byes Pre-school. It’s a very important asset to the community.

“A sum of money was earmarked for the refurbishment project, but when work was under way, it was discovered that we needed a new heating and hot water and electrical system that we had not allocated money for. We applied for a grant to cover the remaining amount and recently discovered we had been successful.”

He added that £11,000 of work to refurbish the ladies’ toilet was completed last year and £8,500 was set aside for the men’s – with additional grants from Cllr Hughes’ county council Investing in Devon fund.

Cllr Hughes, the ward member for Sidford/Sidmouth, said: “I’m delighted to have been in a position to support the social hall committee in bringing the toilet facilities into the 21st century.

“The committee does a sterling job in ensuring that the hall continues to serve the local and wider community through a raft of events.”

Mr Eagles added that the committee is always on the lookout for people to join, and invited anyone who might be interested to attend the annual general meeting on April 5.