Despite surrounding villages each having their own meeting halls, Ramsey Town has never had such a community facility itself.
That is about to change due to the hard work of local residents who raised £30,000, match funding of £30,000 from Huntingdonshire District Council and substantial financial support from Tescos (through S106 money).
Mr Vara joined with the residents' fundraising committee, chaired by Mr David Paine, the Mayor of the Town Council, Pat Taylor, representatives of the District Council and others to celebrate the start of work on the project. It is hoped that the Hall will be completed by Christmas.
Mr Vara said:
"I know that residents have been pressing for many years to ensure that Ramsey has its own hall in which to hold community events. After much hard work from the fundraising committee, as well as support from the District and Town Councils and, of course, residents themselves, it looks as though the local people will at last have their community centre.
"I was delighted to be able to play a part in the opening ceremony, which was a happy occasion for all who attended."
Photo: Caroline Lloyd, Marlene Barringer, Committee Chairman David Paine, Janet Cook, Ramsey Town Mayor, Pat Taylor, Stan Curtis, Shailesh Vara, Developer Nick Sutton and Penny Litchfield
