A VILLAGE hall in Somerset has officially re-opened with a celebration event after a successful £282,400 refurbishment project. 

Otterhampton Village Hall underwent improvement work from spring 2021 to “provide a lasting legacy for future generations in the parish”.

The project aimed to make the village hall more attractive, economically viable, and energy efficient. 

It is hoped the refurbishment will make the village hall more “useable” for people living in the parish and its surrounding villages.

The refurbishment has made the hall more accessible by introducing a ramp, electronic door, and Stannah stairlift. 

It has also seen the creation of a small meeting room, the removal of asbestos, the installation of a new oil tank, and upgrades to the bar and social area. 

The toilet facilities have been improved, the boiler has been replaced, and LED lights have been installed throughout the building.

Bridgwater Mercury: Alan Bradford (Sedgemoor District Council chair) and Sue Barton celebrate the hall's re-opening. Picture: Steve Richardson Alan Bradford (Sedgemoor District Council chair) and Sue Barton celebrate the hall's re-opening. Picture: Steve Richardson

The building work was carried out by a Bridgwater-based company, Harris Brothers and Collard. 

A total of £282,400 of funding was secured to enable to project to take place. 

This included donations from various charitable trusts and foundations, plus funding from Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council.

The grand opening was held on Saturday, August 6. 

Gallery: Otterhampton Village Hall's grand opening

Bridgwater Mercury: Louise and Janet Bailey, with district council chair Alan Bradford. Pictures: Steve RichardsonLouise and Janet Bailey, with district council chair Alan Bradford. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Bridgwater Mercury: Roger Musgrove, who retired as the community's postman after 30 years, opens the refurbished village hall.Roger Musgrove, who retired as the community's postman after 30 years, opens the refurbished village hall.

Bridgwater Mercury: Liz Brown and Karen Barton from 1st Combwich Brownies with the Rev. Alison Waters.Liz Brown and Karen Barton from 1st Combwich Brownies with the Rev. Alison Waters.

Bridgwater Mercury: Marcus Ford and Rob Guard from Combwich Short Mat Bowls Club.Marcus Ford and Rob Guard from Combwich Short Mat Bowls Club.

Bridgwater Mercury: Brenda Wasley and Elizabeth Marriott from Combwich and District WI.Brenda Wasley and Elizabeth Marriott from Combwich and District WI.

Bridgwater Mercury: Combwich Crafters Joan Selway, Sandra Ford, and Sue Jenkins.Combwich Crafters Joan Selway, Sandra Ford, and Sue Jenkins.