A major study into the future of Cowling's village hall is set to go public in the next few weeks.

The hall has a limited future without a large amount of money being invested in it to bring it up to date.

But a committee of villagers has decided not to spend any money until alternatives are explored, including building a new hall.

A specialist firm of architects has been brought in to weigh up the options, and is set to publish its report soon.

A public exhibition has already been planned for next month and on February 5 the hall will be thrown open for anyone interested to have a look at its current state.

This will be followed by a public meeting on February 10 when Cowling people will be able to have their say on the proposals and fill in a questionnaire.

Alternative sites for a village hall will also be revealed at the exhibitions.

Representatives from 13 of Cowling's groups and organisations have already met to pool their thoughts on what they need from a village hall.

Ideas expressed included a kitchen to cater for both large and small functions, large areas for storage, extra space for the county's library service and at least two function rooms of differing sizes to cope with indoor sporting activities and play performances.

The cost of bringing the existing hall up to standard has been put at £100,000.

Cowling village hall has a long history and celebrated its centenary in 1985.

It started life as a Liberal Club and institute and has also been used as a reception centre for war evacuees.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.