A FECKENHAM committee may apply to the National Lottery charities board for a grant to help it meet the increasing demand for space in the village hall, writes Helen Clarke.

At present, the hall is lacking storage space and large items are on the floor in the main room.

The village hall committee has devised plans to build a storage room, additional toilet facilities and a lobby.

But the cost of the project may be as much as £30,000 - money the committee does not have at the moment.

Committee treasurer, John Pulsford, said: We have some money but nowhere near enough to meet this cost.

In the new year, we will start to look at applying for grants and we will get advice.

We have in the past received money from the county but we don't think it will be possible this time so we may apply to the lottery charities board.

The whole scheme's success relies entirely on our receiving grants.

Parish council chairman Doug Hickman said: We're very short of space and demands on the hall are extremely high especially with the nursery there plus the youth club. There is a definite need for more space.

I see no reason for the parish council finding any objections to these plans as the extension really is needed.

Once the plans are approved it will be a matter of finding the tens of thousands of pounds needed.