Beverley Memorial Hall to undergo major repairs

Beverley Memorial Hall is dedicated to the memory of the dead of two world wars

Repairs to a community hall in an East Yorkshire town can now be carried out thanks to the sale of a former theatre.

Work on Beverley Memorial Hall will be funded by cash raised by East Riding Council's sale of the former Beverley Picture Playhouse, said hall trustees.

Repairs will include the replacement of the hall's main roof, together with essential masonry work.

Paul Jenkinson, chairman of the hall's trustees, said the work was important in securing the venue's future.

'Financial constraints'

Other work to be carried out on the Memorial Hall, on Lairgate, will be the replacement of the building's heating and electrical equipment which is said to be in need of "a substantial upgrade".

The hall, which is used for such events as dances, fitness classes and theatrical productions, was originally developed in the early 1950s from a former chapel of rest.

It is dedicated to people from Beverley who died during the two world wars.

The work on the Memorial Hall will be carried out "in the near future" by East Riding Council and will take about eight weeks to complete, said trustees.

Mr Jenkinson said: "In recent years, various plans for redeveloping and improving the Memorial Hall have been considered.

"While these have not so far been realised because of financial constraints, the repair and maintenance work now agreed is an important step in securing a brighter future for the venue."