A PUBLIC meeting will be held to present an improvement plan for the resident-run Druitt Hall in Christchurch.

Residents are invited to the meeting at the hall on Monday at 7.30pm where Christchurch Citizens Association will go over plans to modernise and redecorate the hall.

The progress follows celebrations last month when the CCA was awarded the right to run the controversial hall.

Members of the council’s resource committee approved a three-year lease to be offered to Christchurch Citizens Association.

It came after years of wrangling between the council and residents, determined to see the survival of the hall.

Now, just a few weeks after the crucial decision, volunteers and organisers have galvanised a small army of helpers to lend a hand with the transformation.

Nigel Cook,  chairman of the CCA said: “The meeting will inform people of the plan we are putting forward with regards to the hall.

“It includes a new kitchen facility in the place where the kitchen used to serve the hall.

“It will also provide a new meeting room which will be accessible from the entrance lobby, with a small amount of office space at the front, with a new disabled toilet as well.

“We’re asking for help with preparation work.”

The group have already been offered help from Waitrose, who will be coming in to refurbish the interior in July, as well as B&Q who have donated paint and Brandon Tool Hire.

Christchurch Housing Association has also helped out with funding the work.

Nigel said the group hope to have an opening date later in August ready for the start of the three-year contract in September.

Anyone willing to help volunteer should contact 07818 724762.