A PROJECT to rebuild a village hall has been given a £100,000 cash boost.

Freeland Parish Council has spent the past year trying to raise cash for the scheme, which they estimate will cost about £400,000, through grants and loans.

It wants to knock down the 45-year-old building, which is in desperate need of updating, and replace it with a modern village hall.

West Oxfordshire District Council has pledged £100,000 to the project.

Parish council vice chairman Peter Newell said: “It’s very good news and a very good start.”

A year ago the parish council asked residents what they would like done to the hall in Wroslyn Road.

People agreed that they wanted a new building, along with new sports changing facilities, which will cost £200,000. Plans include modern insulation, double glazed windows and a high efficiency boiler.

New kitchen and toilet facilities will also be included.

Mr Newell said: “The present hall deters people from using it.

“The flooring is old and you can’t clean it properly and the tiles are so worn clubs go elsewhere. The heating is inefficient and all the windows aren’t double glazed so it’s a job getting heating to the hall.

“It’s not modern enough to hold wedding events and the whole thing is not very good for its purpose – we have lost quite a few bookings and people have had to go out of the village.”

The new village hall will serve local children’s clubs, such as the Brownies and Cubs, other community groups such as the Horticultural Club and village fundraising events.

The parish council has applied for a Public Works Loan to secure the rest of the money.

The district council grant is conditional on the rest of the money needed for the project being secured.

A planning application has been submitted to the district council, which should be decided next month.

If all goes ahead, building work could start by the middle of this year.

Hilary Biles, the district council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism and health, said: “The existing building is outdated and new facilities are very much needed for the village community.

“We’re very proud to be able to allocate this grant to such a worthwhile project that will support the residents of Freeland.”