Repairing Gastard’s asbestos -ridden village hall has become easier, after a grant of £10,000 from Corsham Town Council.

In November, the managing committee of the 77-year-old hall said it would need more than £20,000 for a renovation programme, but it now has most of that funding.

Treasurer Debbie Anstis said: “We’ve already had £5,000 from the area board and now £10,000 from the town council. That’s as well as our donations and fundraising, so we have the money to do the roof, sides, remove the asbestos and put insulation in to make it safe, dry and sound.

“We would like to have new heating put in, as it’s unbelievably expensive at the moment, and we want it rewired and with new disabled toilets. We already have grants pending for that.

“Even if we don’t get those grants, we can keep it going. Anything else is really nice to have, but that was the first thing we really needed to do.”

The hall is used for more than ten classes a week, as well as children’s parties and community events. Work is planned for the summer, when the facility will not have its regular term-time users.

The committee is planning more fundraising, with a Big Breakfast on March 23.

Mrs Anstis said: “It’ll be a nice fried breakfast on a Sunday morning, for anyone to come along to.”

For more details about the hall, or any future fundraising, contact Mrs Anstis on debbie@chapelpm.co.uk