Seaton’s Voice help to bring the community together.

After an uphill struggle, a community group in Seaton is celebrating a new chapter in its mission to restore the town’s civic pride and bring residents together.

Seaton’s Voice had less than a smooth ride as it tried to fulfil its vision to bring the town hall back to life.

But members of the community group are now astounded by its success and are celebrating being able to meets its costs - making it through its first quarter.

Elga Mackie, who is responsible for events and finance, said: “It is brilliant. We had a tough time and we were up against quite a lot in the beginning.

“It took two years, but I think everyone wants to see that it keeps going on and on. This building has restored Seaton’s civic pride. It is great so many things are going forward.

“We are very proud of these results and the skies are the limit.”

She added: “A lot of people doubted us in the beginning and said it would never work but, when they have come here, they have said how great it is.”

The community has been a major part of the success, with residents and local businesses helping to revamp the aged town hall into a vibrant hub by lending materials and expertise.

Carol Manley said: “It is great news for Seaton, as something like this has not been done and it was a leap of faith by the East Devon District Council that has paid great dividends.”

Thanks to the work of Seaton’s Voice, the town hall is on its way to becoming an entertainment hub for the Axe Valley – drawing in support from the local community, as well as visitors to the town.

Annette Bentley, who is responsible for hospitality and estates, said: “It has brought people together and people have been tremendous by helping with the building and are proud about it and what is happening in it.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support from the community.”

Concerts have been especially successful and now the group is concentrating its efforts on providing Seaton with a youth cafe.