THE roof has finally come down on an eagerly-awaited village hall near Wellington - after more than three decades of campaigning.

Residents in Langford Budville have been trying to get a village hall for more than 30 years, but lack of funds hampered their progress.

But now, through fundraising and a grant of £500,000 from the Big Lottery Community Buildings Fund, dreams of villagers have become a reality as major construction work on the hall begun.

Keith Moore, a committee member dedicated to gaining a village hall, said: “Over the years more than £120,000 was raised through a wide variety of events, together with donations from members of the community committed to the project.

“The dedication of this group of people to the cause has been remarkable and without them the hall would never have been built.”

Children from the village primary school watched on with excitement as the hall moved a step closer to completion last Monday, and Keith says the fact the whole community is involved “symbolises the future.”

He added: “The presence of pupils from the village school at today's event symbolises the future potential of the new hall which will act as a focal point not only for the village but also for the surrounding hamlets and the wider community.

“It also stands as a symbol of the dedication and hard work of so many who never lost faith in their vision.”

The project is expected to be completed in July.