AROUND 70 villagers from Arkholme gathered towatch the ceremonial start of work on their new villagehall.

The new hall, due to be completed in February next year,will cost around £500,000 and features landscaped grounds, a main hallkitchen, committee and education room and a large foyerarea.

After the first turf was cut by the Rev Gary Bowness,chairman of trustees, and Jim Hayton, president of the village hallcommittee, the crowd went on to a party in the old villagehall.

The old hall, which was costing too much to maintain,will be developed for housing to help pay for the new hall along withNational Lottery cash and a grant from the single regenerationbudget.David Smith, of the village hall committee, said the new

hall was a major boon for the community ofArkholme.