PLANS to modernise a century-old community building near Pontypool are to go on display.

Local residents and users and of Ebenezer Sunday School Hall, Cwmffrwdoer, in Pontnewynydd are invited to have their say on the plans for much-needed improvements to the building and access which is expected to cost around £300,000.

The hall, off Hanbury Road, belongs to Ebenezer United Reformed Church and was built in 1907 to accommodate the Sunday School and other activities that would not fit in the church building such as wedding receptions, concerts and other community events.

John Cox, project co-ordinator and member of the Ebenezer Hall Initiative said: “The hall was well-used until we unfortunately decided to close it in December because of the dangerous access road leading to the hall.”

Plans include resurfacing the unadopted access off Hanbury Road, creating a car park, toilets, kitchen, an IT suite and safer and easier access.

Mr Cox added: “The building has served its community well, but now needs refurbishing and some tender loving care to bring it back into full use as a community centre for the 21st century.

“We want to hold concerts in the hall again and create a community centre for groups of all ages.”

A planning application has yet to be considered by Torfaen council. The committee, supported by The United Reformed Church, is fundraising and applying for a grant from the People and Places Lottery in the hope that work can begin in the winter.

The open day takes place at the hall between 11am and 2.30pm on June 9.