TRUSTEES of a community hall in Carterton are raising money for £300,000 repairs.

The hall, adjoining St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkell Avenue, needs a new roof, kitchen, toilet block, heating system and floor.

The aim is to raise the money in three years through fundraising, donations and grants. About £30,000 has already been raised.

Fundraiser Tom Barry said: “We want to make it a warm, welcoming centre of the community again.

“People want decent loos and a kitchen. In winter it’s a pretty inhospitable place but we want it to be at the heart of Carterton and used by a variety of groups.

“There’s a shortage of space and groups can’t find places in the town that suit them.”

The project follows a £200,000 refurbishment of the church, which was converted from a barn in 1940 after being based in Burford Road, two years ago.

The hall has accommodated groups including scouts, brownies and exercise classes in the past but now it is barely used and is expensive to heat.

Father Andrew Foster, priest of the church, said potential users had been consulted over plans.

He added: “We want to provide a usable and attractive service to the local community as well as our parishioners.”

A concert was due to be held at the church last night to raise money for the project, with performances by singer Annabel Molyneaux and pianist Peter Cowdrey, and readings ranging from medieval times to the church’s origins in 1940.