DIDCOT residents checked out the changes at their newly refurbished civic hall at the weekend.

The Britwell Road building closed in July last year and work started on the £1.3m refurbishment in January after the contract was finalised with construction firm Mansell.

One of the key features of the revamp is an eye-catching extension with an entrance on Broadway, to make the hall more visible from the main road.

Mayor Phil Hayward said: “Over the years there had not been a lot of maintenance work done on the civic hall so this really needed doing.

“I think the new building looks fantastic and will be a real asset for the people of Didcot.

“I think the new entrance on Broadway will mean a lot more people using the civic hall than before.

“It’s a superb facility for community groups and we expect there will be more bookings than there used to be for weddings and functions.”

Town council leaders under the previous Tory administration delayed signing the contract with construction firm Mansell in a bid to save about £30,000.

The centre, to be used by community groups, has a new foyer, featuring the reception area and information centre; a larger bar and kitchen for functions and a new stage and floor in the main hall.

Labour councillor Margaret Davies, who took over as town council leader in May, has predicted an overspend but could not give a final figure.

Visitors at the weekend, including Sara Green, who dropped in with her 20-month-old son Joel to enjoy artwork displayed as part of the 16th Didcot annual art exhibition.

The mum of three said: “I was quite impressed with the new building.

“It’s always useful to have a public space like that for people in the town to use.”

One of the first bookings for the main hall has been made by 70s band The Rubettes, who will play on Saturday from 7.30pm.