ONE of the most important halls for community events in Ledbury is to get a major make-over and upgrade, under plans being drawn up by its owners, the Ledbury and District Civic Society.

The society is looking to its own funds for the revamp of the Burgage Hall, in Church Lane, because the building is no longer included in the "Ledbury Places" project, which seeks to preserve and find uses for the town's most important old buildings.

Society vice chairman, Chris Johnson said: "The Burgage Hall's redecoration is currently not part of this project and so we will be doing the work out of our funds reserved for this purpose."

Because the re-vamp will involve upgrading the toilet facilities, including better disabled access, a plumber was called in to inspect the site last week and a builder is to follow, because the society is currently seeking quotes as to how much all the work will cost.

Mr Johnson said: "The toilets we have met disabled access standards 40 years ago, but regulations change and they are not up to modern standards."

He added that the society might be able to apply for "small grants" to help meet the costs, which are still unknown.

The building, which was originally a Congregational chapel, dating back to 1856, is regularly used for meetings, including for the Civic Society, and it is also a venue for Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Other improvements at the Burgage Hall, to be completed by some time next year, will include improving the fire alarm system.

Members are also being asked about the plans for redecorating the hall: in particular, what the new wall colour should be.

Mr Johnson stressed both the importance of the hall in community life and the venue's reliance of volunteers.

He said: "The Burgage Hall takes a lot of work behind the scenes for many volunteers. Without a great team we would not be able to provide this valuable facility for Ledbury which also gives us a modern income, after expenses, to use for our general charitable donation."