PLANS for a new village hall in a small Teme Valley community are being backed by local MP Bill Wiggin.

However, the reply to his written parliamentary question on possible Lottery funding for the project at Rock, sent by Mr Wiggin to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has confused the likely outcome of the grant application.

Mr Wiggin said: "I have reservations over the government's reply. The response from the Department of Culture indicated that factors in the Rock application for funding could take into account environmental sustainability and would be viewed upon favourably. This has been contradicted by the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, which claims that issues of environmental sustainability play no part in the criteria for making such an application at all."

The inconsistency of responses received from two different government departments has perplexed the MP.

He said: "I only hope that such ineptness does not compromise the Rock plans. I do realise that the design is ambitious for a small community, but that is a good thing. Rural areas are being ignored too often by this government."

Mr Wiggin confirmed that he will be giving his full backing to the project.

"Every village needs a good hall worth fighting for and the Rock project is something for the whole community to enjoy," he said.

"The design is full of environmental and sustainable ideas that will help a rural community thrive and prosper.

"After 60 years, the old hall at Rock does need replacing and the project deserves to win support from the National Lottery Community Fund."