Battle to keep hall open (From Barry And District News)

Battle to keep hall open

A VILLAGE group is fighting to raise enough money to keep their'vital' community hall open.

The hall in Wenvoe, which needs 16,000 worth of improvements, is run by a group of volunteers who have to raise money each year to keep the facility up and running.

The Bute Estate holds the lease.

Fundraiser Russell Godfrey, also a member of Wenvoe Community Council, said: "This is a vital service provided for the villagers.

"There is the community centre across the road, but it is does not have the facilities we can offer here.

"If this closed down there would be very little for the community in Wenvoe and people would have to go all the way to Barry."

Mr Godfrey, of Brooklyn Terrace, added: "This is a focal point for the community and it brings the village closer together.

"The hall is used by more than 600 people a week for various activities.

"There is a youth club with about 70 members, a pensioners' Tuesday club and much much more.

"Last year we had our annual New Year's Eve party there and 200 people came to the event."

Numerous repairs are needed at the hall - some of them on safety grounds.

The heating system is no longer viable as it classed as too old to repair, the roof needs repairs and the whole building has to be painted.

The committee members are also trying to get funding for disabled access to the building.

Vale Councillor for Wenvoe, Mike Harvey, is supporting the fundraisers' efforts.

He said: "This hall is one of the cornerstones of the village, and is very important to the community.

"The hall is one of several in Wenvoe which provide vital services to the area. It would be very difficult to replace if it had to shut."

l The fundraising group have organised a ball to raise money towards the cost of the work needed.

It will take place at Cardiff City Hall on Friday, May 13, and tickets cost 33. So far around 300 tickets have been sold - but there are still more than 150 available.