New Galloway community celebrates after taking control of town hall

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Champagne corks are popping in New Galloway after the community took control of the town hall.The welcome news guarantees the popular venue’s future and means a £300,000 refurbishment can go ahead.Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) secured the landmark building through the community asset transfer (CAT) scheme.The go-ahead group will now be responsible for its upkeep for decades to come.LING thanked the council for its continued support over several years to make the transfer a reality.Chairperson Mary Smith said: “This is the culmination of a huge amount of hard work and dedication from volunteers and supporters over many years.“Without this, we would have seen this unique, historic building closed.“Instead we are working towards it reaching its full potential as a functioning, efficient, accessible and welcoming community space for everyone to enjoy.”She added: “The Glenkens has a fantastic community and there are so many great initiatives taking place.“LING is delighted to be part of that.“As all community organisations know, it’s not easy – you meet challenges and you definitely learn as you go.“But when the effort and will is there to support each other and make a positive difference, that is what motivates involvement at every level.”The transfer process had a last minute hitch when dry rot was found but the council agreed to carry out repairs.Work is being co-ordinated so LING can keep the hall open for activities at the same time.Renovation and refurbishment of the hall inside and out will take place between now and Christmas.Improvements include a fully accessible lift, disabled toilets upstairs and downstairs, installing an air-source heat pump and improving insulation.Options for solar power are being