THE future of a village hall that was built by local residents 55 years ago is set to be discussed at a meeting tomorrow.

Pendleton residents have been invited to attend a meeting aimed at deciding how to upgrade, renovate and possibility extend the hall in the centre of the village.

Described as a ‘focal point’ in the village, the hall was last renovated 12 months ago when work on the front room was completed.

A new entrance porch and windows were also installed.

Now residents are set to debate whether to start work on the back room, upgrade the toilet and build a small extension.

Last year’s work cost around £15,000 and it’s expected that the latest project could cost around the same amount.

Villagers are preparing to apply for grants to cover the costs, as well as hold a series of fundraisers themselves.

The hall was built for the village by local residents in 1959 and celebrated its golden jubilee in 2009.

It regularly hosts activities such as Young Farmers, Scottish Dancing, choir rehearsals and meetings of the Pendleton History Society.

Ruth Cowpertwaite, the hall’s treasurer, said: “It’s a focal point of the village alongside the pub and the church.

“The hall is always being used and this project would help to secure it for future generations.

“The village has such a good community feel and everyone mucks in to help with events.

“We are only a small village so the hall means a lot.

“Everyone who lives here is invited to attend the meeting on Wednesday at the hall from 7.30pm.

“Without this work the hall would become more outdated and people would stop wanting to come and use it.

“We don’t want a tatty old building in the centre of the village so the work could be very important.

“The main thing is that I want this building to be around for future generations to take on and use.

“No one here wants to lose it from the village.”