A CELEBRATION is to be held after a village hall underwent a major redevelopment.

The old hall in Layer-de-la- Haye was well used, but was in need of drastic refurbishment.

Surveys suggested repairs would be expensive and it was decided a more sustainable solution would be to construct a new building.

Villagers were asked for their views in 2013 and there was widespread support for the scheme.

Now the old hall, which was constructed in the 1920s, has been demolished and a new annexe built in its place.

The new building complements the existing Queen Elizabeth II Hall, which was built in the 1970s.

The £500,000 cost of the project was met thanks to grants from a number of organisations.

The Abberton Community Fund put £280,000 towards the cost. It was set up as part of the construction work to enlarge Abberton Reservoir. The Veolia Environmental Trust awarded £35,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund and the Cory Environmental Trust awarded £20,000, also through the fund.

Grants were also made by Layer Parish Council which gave £10,000, Essex County Council’s Community Initiative Fund which donated £25,000 and Layer Sports Association to the tune of £1,000.

The hall trust also raised £12,000 through a appeals and events such as concerts and quiz nights.

The new annexe has facilities including a community room, a small meeting room and modern changing and showering facilities.

The hall is used byawide range of groups and organisations including the Good Companions, Brownies, Guides, Scouts, a cribbage club and a pre-school.

The hall is also used for private parties and functions.

On Saturday, the newannexe in New Cut will be officially opened with Essex and Suffolk Water property manager David Alborough and Essex county councillor Kevin Bentley doing the honours at 11am. Villagers are invited to look round until 4pm.

Village hall chairman Mike Strain said: “We have had tremendous support from our residents and also received generous donations from many organisations.

“Our opening on Saturday is the end of a long project for us, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter.

“We are sure this wonderful newhall will support our existing village organisations and create opportunities for new activities for many years to come.

“Its extra flexibility will offer opportunities for business and leisure use from within the village and surrounding areas.”

Mr Alborough said: “I am pleased the Abberton Community Fund was able to support the community at Layer.

“The new facility will enable the community to continue to flourish and shows Essex and Suffolk Water’s commitment to supporting the communities we work in.”