Barnham centre plan unveiled

A total of 95 people signed the visitors' book during the opening weekend exhibition of the 1.55m scheme to transform leisure facilities in the village.

The exhibition is also being staged by Barnham Parish Council in the current village hall in Yapton Road this Saturday and Sunday. The opening hours will be 10am to 4pm both days.

The proposal involves building the new centre on Murrells Field, behind the current hall, as well as creating sports pitches.

The intended building will accommodate a main hall which will be slightly bigger than a badminton court, a community hall able to be divided in two and a separate parish room.

A room will also be set aside for a GP surgery, health clinic and first aid centre and another for a pre-school group.

Changing rooms will be created for the users of the adult and children's football pitches and cricket wicket.

A multi-use games area, a fitness trail, a playarea for the pre-school children and a picnic area will complete the outdoor provision. It is hoped the facilities will be open in 2012.

Parish council chairman Cllr Mike Young said: "Barnham will become a community when this scheme is built.

"It will become alive as a village. It will be the biggest scheme the parish council has ever done and has been talked about for a long time."

Village residents Sue and Brian Lockwood welcomed the plans.

Mr Lockwood said: "This is marvellous. It is what we need in the village. The current hall is past its sell-by date."

Mrs Lockwood, the Brown Owl with 1st Barnham Brownies and Rainbows, said: "It will be lovely when the new building is open.

"I love the idea it will have a doctor's surgery because we have not got one in Barnham at the moment. We have to go to Yapton to see a doctor."

A 2004 survey by the parish council showed 67 per cent of those who took part wanted a surgery as a priority.

A foundation stone next to the entrance of the current hall dates from 1927 but part of the single storey structure pre-dates that.

The latest surveyor's report on the building showed it was beyond economic repairs because of faults such as subsidence and extensive rot.

Despite this, it is used throughout each week by organisations such as Barnham Community Pre-School, 1st Barnham Scout Group and Barnham WI.

The building will be replaced under the parish council's plans by a two-storey block of six flats and four three bedroom houses.

This development will help pay for the new centre with fundraising initiatives such as a buy a brick scheme, a monthly draw and grants from various sources.