RESIDENTS in Headley Down have begun a fundraising campaign to extend St Francis Community Church and its hall.

This follows the granting of permission, by East Hampshire District Council, for the scheme in October.

Hester Whittle, chairman of trustees, said: “These are big plans to replace the old wooden structure, originating from 1921, and replace it with a modern brick-and-stone building to serve the local community as a central meeting place with modern church facilities at the centre.”

Ms Whittle added that the church and hall play “a pivotal role” in the community, with many clubs and societies holding meetings there, as well as coffee mornings for the people in the village to meet. She hopes the new building will become the heart of the community.

The “little church”, as it has been affectionally known, was extended in 1982 to accommodate the growing congregation and the needs of village residents, but the old wooden parts are now deteriorating to the extent that it needs to be replaced with a modern structure.

There will be a new porched entrance from the car park into a “light and airy” lobby area, with up-to-date kitchen facilities on one side and toilets on the other.

From the lobby, under the plans, will be doors to the hall, which has been designed to have flexibility to make it as large as it needs to be for general community use, or alternatively to enlarge the worship area to accommodate large community church events such as the monthly Big Breakfast, held on the first Sunday of the month, and the Carols by Candlelight Christmas event, which for many years has seen more than 100 people attending.

Estimates are now being sought but the project cost is anticipated to be between £400,000 and £500,000.

“It is a huge sum to raise,” added Ms Whittle.

“But we know residents will greatly support the project , in addition to the necessary applications for grants and, hopefully, Lottery funding.”