PLANS for a new village hall in Cusop have finally been submitted to Herefordshire Council after organisers spent 12 years fundraising – and appealed for residents’ help to get them there.

But planning conditions mean approval is vital as building must be completed by September 2009, or the site will go back to the seller at its original price.

The hall committee told residents in April that an average of £250 was needed from each for the build to go ahead and received pledges from £100 to an incredible £10,000 – enabling plans to be drawn up.

Now long-held ambitions that were looking doubtful in the face of a £50,000 shortfall have been revived.

If approved, the new building, off the B4348 near Dulas Brook and Lower Mead, would offer a large room and kitchen, toilet facilities and 26 parking spaces.

Solar panels on the roof would heat water and a future extension of the building would be possible.

Villagers have been without a meeting point since an old parish room at the church became run down.

The proposals are due before the planning committee next month.