An MP has backed plans for a new community centre which is set to replace an "aging" village hall and pavilion in Sussex.
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, met with Hadlow Down Community Centre trustees and Hadlow Down Parish Council chairman, councillor Michael Lunn, to learn more about the plans for a new centre.
The charity, Hadlow Down Community Centre, was established to deliver a new centre for residents, social groups, and businesses.
The current village hall and pavilion are said to be ageing and do not meet modern building and safeguarding standards.
It also lacks amenities, accessibility, and sufficient parking.
The new facility would combine the two facilities in one large hub, opening up opportunities for a wide range of activities including workshops, education classes, sport activities, social gatherings, cultural experiences, and much more.
Ms Ghani has been supporting the TN22 Club, which provides assistance and community activities for elderly individuals and those living with dementia, and are one of the local organisations that would benefit from an upgraded facility.
She said: "Village halls are key assets for our rural communities, providing vital spaces and facilities for people of all ages to connect.
"This fantastic project would be a real legacy for residents of Hadlow Down and I am pleased to support it.
"The proposals for an accessible, safe and welcoming space would open up opportunities for a huge variety of community events, activities and gatherings.
"The provision of a new, multi-purpose facility in the centre of the village would not only enhance sports facilities in the area but also boost extracurricular activities for local schools and help combat loneliness and isolation amongst elderly residents.
"I’m pleased that Hadlow Down Parish Council are actively supporting Hadlow Down Community Centre Trustees and I look forward to continuing working with them to help secure this much-needed local hub."
Councillor Michael Lunn, representing Hadlow Down and Rotherfield, added: "I am extremely proud of the huge amount of work by local volunteers to support this multi-user space, which will be a major asset for our local community.
"I am extremely grateful to Nusrat for giving up time to meet with representatives of the new Hadlow Down Community Centre and I look forward to working together."
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