NOW that renovation work at the Mackarness Hall has been completed, East Devon District Council will hand the day-to-day management of the venue back to the parish church later this month.

NOW that renovation work at the Mackarness Hall has been completed, East Devon District Council will hand the day-to-day management of the venue back to the parish church later this month.

Although owned by the church, the hall has been leased to the council for some years.

That arrangement has now come to an end and church leaders are keen to ensure the hall is available for community use.

The hall will be handed back to the church on March 25.

The move has created a job for a caretaker.

Churchwarden Julia Beaman said: "The church is keen to continue the work done by East Devon District Council and let the hall out to users from the town.

"All current bookings made through East Devon Business Centre will be handed over to St Paul's.

"Tammy Down and Sandra Cook have been very helpful in this handover period, and our thanks go to them for their support for the church."

Mrs Beaman added: "We are keen to promote the Mackarness Hall as a hall for the community, and our first step is to employ a dedicated, caring person to be responsible for the cleaning of the hall and include some maintenance. Although the hall belongs to the church, we are keen to continue to make it available as a central resource in the town, and we look forward to continue working with all current and new users."

After March 25, the hall's keys will be available from St Paul's Parish Office from 10am to 1pm on weekdays. Booking forms will be available from the Parish Office on (01404) 44035 or honitonteam@tiscali.co.uk

Anybody interested in the caretaker's job is asked to contact the parish office.

East Devon District Council has paid for the refurbishment work.