JUST as one big money development in Coddenham edges towards completion, villagers are being asked to help bankroll another.A £717,000 community hall, in School Road, is rising quickly and is expected to be completed by December.

JUST as one big money development in Coddenham edges towards completion, villagers are being asked to help bankroll another.

A £717,000 community hall, in School Road, is rising quickly and is expected to be completed by December.

To help fund the facility, the old hall, in Church Road, will be demolished and the plot sold off for housing, bringing in an expected £100,000.

But with the dated hall will go some vital toilet and catering facilities, which are utilised by the neighbouring St Mary's Church for functions.

This has sparked moves to build a separate toilet facility in the church grounds – at a cost of around £100,000.

A new wave of fundraising events are now being planned, including a teddy bear's parachute jump from the top of the church tower and a spend a penny campaign, which encourages people to donate their loose change to the cause.

Chris Baber, chairman of the Coddenham Community Forum, said: "They've both come at once because both related. It's such a close-knit community in Coddenham and we're hoping they'll back us again.

"In the end it will be the village that benefits."

The building of the new community hall, which will cater for badminton, indoor bowling and various other sports, was boosted by a £435,000 grant from Sport England.

This was topped up by £35,000 for Mid Suffolk district council and various other fundraising activities. However, the parish council has been forced to take out a £150,000 loan to cover the cost and fundraising will continue to repay this.

To offer support to the projects, call Mr Baber on 01449 760664.