A COMMUNITY is celebrating after receiving a cash boost for its village hall.

The SITA Trust has handed Bramford �6,500 funding to cover the costs of refurbishing the kitchen of Loraine Victory Hall.

The kitchen upgrade is the latest step in a long programme of updating the facilities of the building.

Beryl Sims, former chairman of the hall committee, said: “Loraine Victory Hall is desperately in need of a new kitchen.

“The present one was installed about 20 years ago using recycled units that were no longer required by a local residents.

“The worktop has a severe burn where something large and hot has been placed on it.

“There is no facility for boiling water for teas and coffees, so some groups use their own urn which has to be filled and emptied manually. The cooker has been so damaged so the bottom is now held together with sticky tape.” The funding boost will mean that groups using the hall will have access to all the equipment they need to provide light refreshments for their meetings.

During the past few years many improvements have been made to Loraine Victory Hall with new tables, chairs, double glazed windows, new flooring, heating, lighting and toilets.

Mrs Sims added: “It is now a very attractive venue – until you go into the kitchen. With a modern kitchen, hot water on tap, new worktops, cupboards and cooker, the hall will be so much more attractive to hirers and to the community.”

Jools Granville, of SITA Trust added: “We were delighted to be able to assist this fantastic community building and that the newly updated facilities will attract even more users.”

SITA provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund for projects that enhance communities.