ABERPORTH has its best chance yet to get a £850k new hall for the village.

The village hall committee, after submitting a successful Stage 1 application, has been given the green light by the National Lottery Community Fund to put a £450k bid together for the coveted Stage 2 round of funding.

Matchfunding bids for the project entitled ‘Heart of the Community/Calon y Gymuned’ are also being submitted to the Welsh Government, Ceredigion County Council and Aberporth Community Council.

Local AM Elin Jones congratulated the committee – which has attracted several new members - on its work.

She said: “I’m really pleased to support Aberporth Hall’s plans for major upgrading work. It’s much needed and I hope that all potential funders will respond positively to Aberporth’s desire to have a hall fit for the 21st century.

“Community activities are very curtailed now, but once we are post-Covid, people will be desperate for community activity and the Aberporth area deserves to have the best facilities possible to ensure this can happen in comfortable and modern facilities. “

An extra £10k fund-raising appeal is already underway with collection tins in local businesses plus other fundraising initiatives being announced over the coming months.

Hall committee chairman Richard Jennings said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the committee past and present has finally yielded a great opportunity to make the hall the heart of the community.

“Well done everyone, now let’s get this done.”

Plans for the new building can be viewed at www.aberporthvillagehall.co.uk

The new hall will include the latest energy efficient heating and lighting, new kitchen and toilets, extra storage capacity plus better disabled access and a hearing loop. The project also includes plans for activities for all ages and increased opening hours and facilities.

For more information on how you can help or get involved contact avhprojectofficer@gmail.com or ring 01239 810475 or 01239 810580. Follow the project on facebook, twitter, Instagram and keep an eye on the hall’s website www.aberporthvillagehall.co.uk