A VICTORIAN village hall can continue to serve residents for generations to come thanks to a £500,000 grant from the National Lottery.

The Scarth Memorial Village Hall Association will use the money to transform the Staindrop community hub in to a 21st century ‘hall for all’ where young and old can socialise and access clubs and services.

Once work is complete, it is hoped the association, a registered charity, can increase its already packed programme of activities and help prevent social isolation in the Staindrop area.

Improvements will include a new wheelchair and buggy friendly access ramp and a new kitchen, cinema, IT suite and toilets.

It follows years of consultation with people in the area.

Morris Race, chairman of the trustees, said tenders would be invited after the specifications had been finalised, with work likely to begin next year.

He added: “While there will be considerable disruption to our users as the work is carried out, we are sure people will be understanding of the need to make the hall fit for purpose and relevant to those who use it, and those yet to use it.

“And when it is finished we are sure everyone will look back and say it was worthwhile.”

The funding has been awarded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities scheme, which provides grants of £10,000 and above for long term projects.

The Scarth Hall bid focused on the charity’s drive to reduce loneliness and improve health and well being, as well as develop computer literacy among the elderly and employability skills for jobseekers.

Dr Jonathan Smith, clinical chair of the Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We understand the negative impact that social isolation can have on health. We are delighted that the Scarth Hall has been successful in securing funding for these valuable initiatives.”

Ann Henderson, chief officer of Teesdale Disability Access Forum, added: “Being able to provide a completely accessible venue with facilities that can be used by disabled people and elderly people who have restrictions is a great asset, not only to Staindrop but the wider community.”

The Scarth Memorial Village Hall Association has thanked Dorothy Gibson and Kathryn Athey, of Durham County Council, and Helen Brown of Durham Community Action for their help.

As well as hosting many activities and providing a meeting place for groups such as Staindrop Women’s Institute, the hall can also be hired, with fees helping cover its annual running costs of £22,000.

To find out more, visit scarthhall.co.uk