Mapplewell and Staincross village hall and library renovations to start

Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall is charity-run

Work to renovate a charity-run village hall and library in South Yorkshire is due to get under way next week.

The work on Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall would include new LED lights and a replacement boiler and heating system, Barnsley Council said.

The library - in the same building - would be given new carpets, furniture and an improved children's library.

The £450,000 cost of the work will be funded by Barnsley Council's Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.

'Key hub'

Preliminary work on the village hall was expected to start in the coming days, while the library would close from 28 March while the renovations were carried out, the council said.

Village Hall manager Nick Hibberd said: "Over the years, we have worked hard to be accepted as a key central hub, offering much more than a traditional village hall in what we try to attract to the area for the benefit of the whole community.

"For this reason, this is seen as much more than a financial investment.

"It recognises the dedication and commitment of the Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall charity and all of their efforts to make a real difference to the people of Mapplewell, Staincross and the surrounding community."

'Fantastic news'

The building as a whole was expected to stay open throughout the work, allowing tenants such as the nursery and the rifle club to use the space as usual.

Activities including aerobics, art and ballroom dancing are also held at the site.

Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: "This investment is fantastic news for Mapplewell, Staincross and the surrounding area.

"The village hall is a vital hub for social and cultural activities, and these works will help to enhance its role and appeal, as the hall will be future-proofed and become more energy-efficient."

This is the second major investment in the facility in less than 18 months, following a £205,000 refurbishment of the main hall last year, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.