CHILDREN in Chedworth will have more space to learn if plans to build a new school hall go ahead.

St Andrew's School are raising money to build a new main hall because the reception class is having to use the exisiting hall as a class room.

The school only has three class rooms for about 100 pupils so a fourth class room was set up in the main hall.

Chairman of the school governors Sue Nashe said: "This means we have lost over half of the hall's space and the children have to use the village hall for PE lessons.

"The current situation is inconvenient as people have to go through the class room to get to the hall."

The school is voluntary-aided and has received £450,000 for the project from the Church of England.

However the governors have to find an extra £45,000.

Mrs Nashe said: "There will be other improvements made such as a room to teach children with special needs and better disabled toilet facilities.

"The school hall is also used by the Chedworth singers who are donating some of their fund raising money.

"We have also written to residents and organisations that provide funds for school projects and we are jointly holding a summer fete with St Andrew's Church in July."

Building is due to start in the summer holidays if planning permission is granted.

Mrs Nashe said: "A lot of people in the village have been concerned we were increasing the numbers at the school and that parking on the narrow road would be an even bigger problem.

"We are not increasing the number of pupils and we are talking to Gloucestershire County Council about a travel plan to solve the parking problem."

*CHEDWORTH hosts a Spring Garden and Gift Fair on Saturday, April 21.

The fair has stalls selling items for the home and garden, a raffle, auction and a display of vintage cars as well as entertainment for children.

Entry is £2 with children free and proceeds are for St Andrew's School and St Andrew's Church.