WORK on a long-awaited village hall near Hay-on-Wye has begun thanks to the generosity of residents who donated more than £30,000 to the cause.

Contractors are on target to complete a new facility at Cusop by July this year after committee members told householders last year an average of £250 was needed from each for the build to go ahead.

It means planning conditions that would have seen the plot go back to its previous owner if a new hall was not erected by September 2009 have been met.

Committee secretary John Wilks said: “I think it’s a fairly unique situation - I can’t think of another community hall that has been built with such little grant aid.”

Herefordshire Council has also provided some funding and contractors John Jones Construction and Ron Smart & Son have been “very understanding” of problems faced by the committee, John said.

The project is the culmination of a 12-year effort from around 300 locals to create a community meeting place after the now disused parish room at the church became run down.

Letters sent to 200 homes by organisers facing a £50,000 shortfall in funds saw donations ranging from £100 to an incredible £10,000 come back. The rest of the £250,000 needed has been made up through recycling and car parking at Hay Festival.

Money is still tight, however, with the hall’s six trustees having personally guaranteed a large loan to be repaid through the same means.

Donations can be made by cheque to Cusop Village Hall and sent to Cusop Hall Appeal, Woodlands, Cusop Dingle, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RQ.