Ribble Valley village investment opens new chapter for community

Residents of a Ribble Valley village are exploring further improvements to community facilities following a major investment in its village hall.

People in Barrow and surrounding areas are enjoying the benefits following the completion and opening of a new village hall and the resurfacing of the adjacent public car park.

Both projects were made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) managed and delivered by Ribble Valley Borough Council, helping to deliver long-term improvements that will support community activity, accessibility and local wellbeing for years to come.

The village hall was officially opened early this year. It has quickly become a focal point for community life, providing residents, groups, organisations and businesses with a modern, flexible and welcoming venue for a wide range of activities and events.

The public car park next to the building was fully resurfaced and lined, providing improved access, safer parking and enhanced facilities for hall users and visitors to the village centre.

The hall’s operational committee, made up of trustees and local volunteers, is developing a programme of regular events and activities that will help establish it as a vibrant hub for village life. Residents can look forward to community gatherings, social events, classes and other opportunities to connect with neighbours, groups and local organisations.

In addition, the charity and committee is exploring opportunities for further enhancements to the building and its facilities. Continued community use of the hall, combined with future funding opportunities, will provide further options for investment and improvement, ensuring the facility continues to develop in line with community needs and aspirations.

Councillor Lee Street, chair of Barrow Parish Council and Ribble Valley borough councillor for Wiswell and Barrow, said: "The completion of the village hall and associated car park improvements marks a significant milestone for Barrow.

“Thanks to the support of Ribble Valley Borough Council members and officers, funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the hard work of many individuals including district and parish councillors, we now have a modern community facility that will serve residents for many years to come.

“We encourage residents to make use of this fantastic asset and help shape its future success. Through continued use and community support, we can continue improving the facilities and creating even more opportunities for local people."

The projects benefited from £437,000 of UKSPF funding, of which £350,000 was invested in the village hall and £54,000 in the car park improvements, with the remaining funding supporting acquisition and professional costs associated with delivering the project.

This summer the village hall became a registered charity.

The establishment of both the registered charity and volunteer-led committee demonstrates the community's commitment to ensuring the village hall remains at the heart of village life and continues to evolve in response to local needs.

The building offers:

• Main bar area and kitchen facilities
• A flexible adjoining hall suitable for a variety of functions and activities
• Three large furnished first-floor meeting rooms
• Fully accessible car parking and building access, including accessible toilets and a lift serving the first floor
• High-speed Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment
• Flexible spaces suitable for community groups, fitness classes, meetings, celebrations, educational activities and private hire