RESIDENTS in Stockton Heath were this week celebrating the decision to approve plans for a new £300,000 community hall in the village.

The parochial council agreed to demolish the existing St Thomas' church hall and replace it with a modern building - the result of 18 months' planning and research.

Officials from St Thomas' Church are preparing bids to net the necessary quarter of a million pounds, but are counting on a sizeable contribution from lottery money.

The development was originally to consist of a facelift to the existing hall but officials believe that a new modern structure would benefit the needs of the community.

Church officials estimated that work could start within 12 months, with building work taking six to nine months to complete, and Stockton Heath Parish Council, Warrington Counselling Service and Priestley College would be keen to use the new hall.

Architects are currently considering the design of the hall but early signs show that the structure will be more spacious, with possibly seven different rooms.

The Rev Beth Glover, vicar of St Thomas', said: "The plan is for a creative and innovative project as the existing facility has become totally unsuitable for community needs.

"People in Stockton Heath know that the current hall is tired and outdated, and kitchen facilities and disabled access are just a couple of issues that needed immediate improvement.

"The church has been losing revenue by turning community groups away that loses us valuable revenue. The community centre on Sandy Lane is constantly booked up and cannot cope. The needs of the community are not being met."