A council-owned hall in a village near Bordon is up for grabs with community groups being invited to take over.

East Hampshire District Council is giving community groups and organisations in Headley a “fantastic opportunity” to come forward and take ownership of Woodlands Hall.

The council feels that transferring ownership of the hall and its surrounding open space would ensure its long-term protection.

The move is part of a greater bid to devolve assets and community organisations in areas where there is an “appetite to operation community facilities locally”.

The hall is being offered through a Community Asset Transfer which allows a community organisation to take over publicly owned land or buildings for the public’s benefit.

A questionnaire has been launched with EHDC now inviting local groups and organisations to submit their interest in taking on Woodlands Hall.

Most village halls in East Hampshire are run by community organisations, town and parish councils with EHDC happy to offer help to interested or successful bidders.

“This is unique opportunity for groups to come forward and transform Woodlands Hall’s future,” said Cllr Adeel Shah, EHDC portfolio holder for community development and engagement.

‘Ensuring it is retained, owned and run by the community, keeping its doors open to serve residents of Headley and surrounding areas for years to come.”

Headley Parish Council were due to discuss Woodlands Hall and the CAT early this week. Expressions of interest can be submitted through https://shorturl.at/pKjFl with a questionnaire and more information about the hall at the same site.