THE people of Westbury are being asked to make their views known and show their support for the ambitious plans for the All Saints’ Parish Hall which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023.
For the past two years, a small group of volunteers has been working on plans for the redevelopment of Westbury Parish Hall which is situated next to All Saints’ Church on Church Lane, just off Edward Street.
The Parish Hall is a community building that has been used by a wide variety of groups over the years including the Guides, Brownies, St John Ambulance Cadets, the Rainbow Play School, Westbury Town Council, The Friends of Victoria Gardens and many others. Many older residents of Westbury may have gone to school there before Westbury Infant and Junior Schools opened.
“The Parish Hall will be 150 years old in 2023 and is showing its age and the need is urgent,” say the group. “The roof, walls, windows and doors are all deteriorating, the kitchen and toilet facilities are failing, and the heating system needs renewing.”
The working group has been talking to current and possible future users to get their ideas and suggestions on how to improve the hall. As a result of this, the group has developed exciting plans for the future. This includes adding a first floor to increase the amount of space available and create a community space fit for the 21st Century and serve the people of Westbury for the next 150 years. These ambitious proposals are likely to cost around £700,000 and the group is applying for planning permission later this year, before starting to raise the necessary funds.
They need your support and are seeking wider views from the people of Westbury before submitting the planning application. There will be drop-in sessions for the people of Westbury to find out more and make their suggestions before the planning application is submitted. The drop-in sessions will be held in the Parish Hall on Church Lane on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 1pm and on Sunday 12 June from 2pm to 4pm. There will be free refreshments available.
If you are unable to attend, you can find out more information on the website www.whtministry.org.uk
