EXCITEMENT for "years to come" is in store after a business plan for a new £570,000 village hall was rubber-stamped.

Those behind the Areley Kings Village Hall scheme expect building on the new venue to begin next April once the existing Parish Room is demolished.

The new hall will be located on the Areley Kings Recreation Ground and will be alongside the existing children's playground and sports area, which will be refurbished as part of the scheme.

The hall, which was granted planning permission by Wyre Forest District Council in May, is being funded by community projects and with a grant from the Millennium Festival Awards for All programme.

Officials are also hoping to sell the land of the present Parish Room to aid the scheme, which will see sport activities, concerts, wedding receptions, youth activities and film evenings take place in the new venue.

Project secretary Peter Archer said: "This is an extremely exciting project for everyone in Areley Kings for years to come.

"The new building will be a focal point for events and almost everybody in the area is behind the plan.

"The Parish Room is still used by groups such as Guides, Mother's Union, slimming clubs and Areley Kings Players, but it is old and outdated and things have to move on."

He added: "There are problems with storage and parking at the present Parish Room, it has a leaking roof and income no longer meets the running costs.

"Our research in the village has told us other clubs, including an indoor bowling and youth groups, would look at forming if a more modern facility was built."

Parish Room trustee Jamie Shaw, who is also a district councillor for Areley Kings, said: "There is lots to look forward to with this venture.

"Years of hard work since 1998 look like they are coming to fruition and there should be a hall for everyone to be proud of once the project is completed."