People in a Meon Valley community have turned out in force in support of a plan to give their village hall a much-needed overhaul for its 50th birthday.

More than 50 people gave their feedback on plans to revamp the venue as a consultation pop-up event was held on Saturday.

The hall has been a “symbol of the community” since opening in 1974 but is starting to show its age in its golden anniversary year.

Urgent repairs are needed to the roof, walls, glazing and electrics if the hall is to remain a “vibrant hub” for future generations.

Villagers were invited to complete a questionnaire and the event also included storyboards and impressions of how the venue could be transformed. No costs have been given, as much is dependent on fees and quotations, but grants are in the offing and trustees were encouraged by the response.

“The concept is to retain the existing structure but clad the sides, re-roof the building and add an extension” said trustee, Matt Millward.

“We also want to relocate the kitchen and deliver two or three hireable spaces. We would also like to generate some electricity, and let some light in through the roof.”

“What we’re trying to do isn’t that major, and it’s actually quite modest, but we need to do it in a way that’s transformational,” said head of trustees, David Pepper.

“It’s a really important space for East Meon and it’s for the whole of the village.

“We’ve got grants and have allocated money, but the biggest difficulty is getting to a stage where you start contracting, sorting out designs, planning regulations, things like that, because they all cost money.”

A host of fundraising events are in the pipeline, with money from the forthcoming May Fair also going towards the project.