A VILLAGE hall that was constructed by residents 55 years ago could be transformed if plans are given the green light.

Pendleton residents have submitted a proposal to Ribble Valley Borough Council to refurbish the interior of the building and build an extension to provide additional toilet facilities.

In June, a public meeting was staged to discuss upgrading, renovating and the possibility of extending 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. Last year’s work cost around £15,000 and it’s expected that the latest project could cost around the same amount.

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.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who has lived in the village for 14 years, said: “This is tremendous news and I’ve seen over the years how central and important the hall is to the village and the community as a whole.

“The local residents were pivotal in building it in the first place and I’m sure that it will still be in use way into the reign of the future King George and beyond.

“It’s a real asset to Pendleton and it’s always packed for big events in the village.

“The fact that it’s still being used as much as it is by residents and outside groups after more than five decades is amazing.”

Peter Lord of Calder Design Associates, which is based in Sabden, will act as the application’s agent.

The plan was formally sent to the council by Mary Renton of Pendleton Parish Council.

More details for the work are set to be published as part of the application in the coming days.