WORK has begun to build a new Memorial Hall in Lechlade.

The initial ground-breaking for the extended foundations started on Monday (July 18), led by contractors King Builders.

After the original Oak Street hall was destroyed in an arson attack last May, a steering group was set up to raise money to go towards replacing the building.

Members of the group, including chair of the fundraising committee and district councillor Sue Coakley, joined King Builders managing director Richard Bentley at the site.

Other group members helping out on the day included Mayor Steve Trotter, Simon Paul, chair of the Lechlade Memorial Hall and Recreation Charity, and town councillor Malcolm Pritchard.

Cllr Coakley said: “There has been an amazing response to fundraising locally with over £130,000 being raised through donations and events.

“The project was supported by Barbara Pond, village hall specialist at the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, who was especially helpful in supporting the consultation process to agree the design of the new hall.”  

What’s more, grants have been awarded by the Summerfield Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl and Lechlade Town Council.

The new hall is expected to officially open over the weekend of May 18-20, 2018.

Bookings are now being taken from May 1, 2018.