Village hall shuts for roof repairs

The building was constructed during World War One

A village hall in Cornwall is closed while work is carried out on a replacement roof and the installation of solar panels.

The Cury village hall committee said the "long-awaited" project received £50,000 from the community levelling up programme.

It said the building, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2021, was built during World War One as a mess hut for Royal Naval Air Station Mullion, an airship base at Bonython.

The committee said the roof had been replaced "at least once" since its construction, but added "it has become increasingly apparent that a complete replacement of the roof was necessary to secure the long term sustainability of our building".

'Designated emergency shelter'

It said the project was part-funded by the UK government through the UK shared prosperity fund, and added the exact duration of the hall's closure would depend on the progress of work.

The new roof panels had been chosen to maintain the character of the historic building, the committee said.

"The installation of a solar array allows Cury Village Hall to operate more sustainably with a reduced climate impact," it added.

"In conjunction with a modern battery storage and back-up system, we will also be able to continue operating for periods where mains power is unavailable."

"As a designated emergency shelter for Cury, with the facilities to provide hot food, warmth, power, and internet access, we believe this is an important step forward not just for our hall but for our entire community," it added.