AFTER six years of tireless fundraising, Tardebigge residents are one step closer to their new community hall.

Construction work has finally begun on the hall, which will be built on land behind St Bartholomew's Church.

It will provide much-needed accommodation for many village groups and clubs, and will include a committee room, kitchen, storage and toilets. The hall will also have facilities for disabled users.

Jane Oldaker, the community hall steering committee group secretary, said: "As far as we are aware there has never been a community hall in Tardebigge and we have been fundraising for this building for some six years. Finally, thanks to the efforts of local residents, St Bartholomew's Church, Tutnall and Cobley Parish Council and a welcome grant from the National Lottery's Community Fund, we raised enough money to start work on the building."

Due for completion in October, the building has been designed by Redditch-based architects BLB.