Grant Boost Helps Open Ribble Valley Village Community Centre to More Visitors

Ribble Valley Borough Council awarded the UKSPF grant to the trustees of Read and Simonstone Village Hall.

The money has been used to improve overall access and provide additional facilities including access and facilities for disabled users.

Council leader Simon Hore said:

“The village hall provides an ideal meeting place that brings local people together. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the trustees’ work in further improving this vital community facility and I applaud their hard work in ensuring the village hall is at the centre of local life.”

Trustee David Peat said:

“The hall is used by around 1,000 people each month and is the base for a wide range of activities for people of all ages, from a toddler group to a community café to providing classes to improve people’s mental and physical health.

 

“Prior to 2019, there was no public space to hire in Read and Simonstone. The work that has been carried out will increase the usage of the hall significantly and will make the building more accessible and attractive.”

The building dates back to the 1880s and was initially used as a Congregational Chapel and subsequently the village school.

It was bought from the Church almost seven years ago with help from Read and Simonstone parish councils, local residents and benefactors. The hall is managed by nine trustees with support from a dedicated group of 30 volunteers.

The UKSPF grant, plus £24,000 from the Fort Foundation, funded work to improve access from the adjacent car park to the hall entrance, and provide new toilet facilities for both disabled and able-bodied visitors. The remainder of the cost of the work, which totals £140,000, has been met from a legacy and fund-raising by the local community.

The village hall car park was created three years ago with funding from the borough council and Lancashire County Council.