A village hall car park was re-opened after a £10,000 renovation on a dark and blustery night this week.

Standing inside while Storm Imogen raged outside, Essex County Council chairman councillor Norman Hume officially opened the new Toot Hill village hall car park in Stanford Rivers on Monday evening (February 8).

The parish council was given to £9,700 to resurface the area from the county council’s Community Initiatives Fund.

It is hoped the renovation, with a dedicated disabled bay and better lighting, will encourage more people to visit.

Councillor Matt Tallon, chairman of the hall committee, said: “I was delighted to see so many residents join us for the official opening.

“It’s vital that local facilities, such as the village hall, are made accessible for all members of the community, and the works undertaken thanks to this grant from Essex County Council will make such a difference, not only to our regular hall hirers, but for any new prospective hirers.

“Over recent years, the hall has undergone a number of major improvements and refurbishments, most of which are thanks to the drive and dedication of the late Ron Hayden.

“We hope to continue Ron’s hard work.”