FOLLOWING the success of a £150,000 National Lottery Bid, the generous support of local businesses and the community, work is now starting to replace Sampford Courtenay Village Hall roof.

Originally the village school, the hall has served the community for more than 70 years.

Storm damage a few years ago revealed major problems with the roof and the need for urgent building works.

The Village Hall Roof Appeal, “Roof-us”, received fantastic support from the local community and even through the pandemic the Village Hall committee and community volunteers have been able to provide a wide range of fundraising events and activities.

The committee says that the success with the Lottery Bid now means that there are sufficient funds to save the hall.

Scaffolding and safety barriers have now gone up around the Hall and work is due to take place during the next 10 weeks.

The committee adds that the Hall will be able to remain open throughout the build and the Roof-us group is getting excited with the prospect of celebrating the completion of the work in a dry and warm hall that can continue to provide a wide range of activities and events for the community.