The latest stage in the rejuvenation of a Yorkshire Dales community centre has been welcomed by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.
Mr Sunak visited the Middleham Key Centre to officially launch its refurbished main hall.
A suspended ceiling has been installed in the Richard III Hall to reduce the cost of heating and improve the acoustics. New lighting, speakers and a hearing loop system have also been introduced.
The cost of the work – £14,000 – was covered by a £10,250 grant from Richmondshire District Council’s Community Opportunities Fund and the centre’s own resources.
Lesley Sweeting, chair of the centre’s trustees, said the improvements had made a big difference.
“We now have a much more useable space,” she said. “The acoustics were terrible and that ruled out a lot of musical activities. It also cost a great deal to heat.
“We are very grateful to the district council for its help with this project which will help us to sustain the centre’s long-term future.”
Mr Sunak said it was a privilege to be invited to the launch. “I know how well used the centre is by the people of lower Wensleydale and I am delighted to hear how it is now prospering.
“It is a fantastic facility and I look forward to returning here many times in the future.”
The centre’s treasurer Robert Blackburn said the centre had almost closed in 2012 but was once again on a sound financial footing.
It was now almost entirely volunteer-run and had managed to make a small surplus last year.
The district council had helped a great deal, he said. This included making available a £20,000 loan to cover the cost of solar panels on the centre’s roof to reduce heating costs.
Work had also been carried out to improve drainage from the centre’s car park to reduce the risk of flooding.
The centre is used by a wide range of community groups for meetings, events and courses. The Richard III is also used as a restaurant – Fairhurst’s Bistro – on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The launch was attended by the leader of Richmondshire District Council, Cllr Yvonne Peacock, and David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, along with supporters and users of the centre.