LOCAL MP Philip Dunne opened the new service block at Ashford Carbonell Village Hall.

A new kitchen, toilets and storage room all comply with disability access requirements, the initial phase in a complete redevelopment plan for the village hall.

“The hall committee has done a magnificent job in raising £90,000 to fund the new service block to breathe new life into the village hall of Ashford Carbonell,” said Mr Dunne.

“I was pleased to be able to pay tribute to their hard work in bringing this project to reality.”

Ishbel Yellowley, chairman of the committee, said: “I would like to thank all those involved, in my committee, the builder Chris Hill, architect Frank Hulse and the local community who have given so generously of their time and money to help us bring the building up to scratch for the 21st century.

“But we have not finished.

Our committee is determined to complete the project, which will require another push over the months ahead.”