A “GREATLY improved” village hall has opened after a huge £400,000 refit.

The newly refurbished village hall in Llanbedr is now open for use and an open day was held to let the locals have a first look at the new facilities which, it is hoped, will give a “new focal point for community life” in the area.

During the event on 28 April a short concert was put on by Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr schoolchildren and later on Gwenno Lloyd, a former pupil of Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr, played the harp.

Many villagers came along for a cup of tea and a cake or sandwich and were said to be “thrilled” with the improvements.

Last week’s county council elections offered another opportunity for locals to explore the hall and the first full concert took place on Sunday, 7 May, by Côr Meibion Ardudwy and Ardudwy Community Choir.

Ysgol Feithrin Llanbedr will also move back into the hall on Monday, 8 May.

A spokesperson for Canolfan Cymdeithasol Llanbedr, the charity which worked to attract funding, was delighted with the new facility.

“The refurbished hall is the result of years of voluntary effort,” the spokesperson said.

“After the disappointment of an unsuccessful first lottery application, enthusiasm and perseverance was needed to continue with the project, and a small group of volunteers prepared new plans and secured £400,000 funding to deliver this greatly improved new community facility.

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