Condemned parish hall could be restored to its former glory

The significant impact on Severn Stoke Parish Hall has come from flooding which has hit the village and the A38 based hall in recent years with floods in 2007, 2012, 2020, 2021 and earlier this year.

Now Severn Stoke and Croome d'Abitot Parish Council has released a statement saying it is "exploring all options" with regard to the future of the hall.

Lisa Stevens, parish clerk, said: "Managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, the hall has taken its share of setbacks in recent years, with fires, road accidents and floods all having an impact - not least of which was Storm Dennis in 2020.

"The impact of the storm was felt by the whole community, including homes, the Rose and Crown pub and St Denys' Church and in particular caused major damage to the hall.

"Progress for repairs to the hall at the time was severely limited by Covid-19. Further storms and floods in 2021 and early 2022 exacerbated the problem."

Villagers took part in survey on future of Severn Stoke Parish Hall

The clerk said a Parish Hall survey of residents, that was conducted last year, demonstrated an "appetite for continuing a facility in the parish" and that was the basis for current exploration of what the future could be for the hall.

The parish clerk added that the outcomes for the Parish Hall was also "intertwined" with the current flood defences project.

READ MORE: Landlord hopes to reopen flooded The Rose and Crown within weeks

Severn Stoke Village Hall was refurbished in 2007, to be capable of hosting up to 100 people. It was regularly used include by auctioneers, cycle clubs, pilates clubs, band rehearsals and private functions.

Severn Stoke Parish Hall was also set up as a registered charity in 1991, managing two government grants given to the improvement of the hall.