SUCCESSFUL security measures at a village hall may see the welcome return of essential blood donor sessions.

Last year the Gazette revealed how the National Blood Service had stopped its regular visits to Charfield Memorial Hall because of incidents of alleged abuse from youths who used to congregate at the hall.

The blood service also claimed a lack of natural light caused by boarded up broken windows had made the donor procedure almost impossible to perform in the hall.

However, 12 months on and hall committee members have said the hall's security has improved, with cases of vandalism down and they are keen to bring back the blood donor sessions.

Tim Hill, chairman of the village hall committee, said: "They took us off their list because of problems at the hall but we would very much like to get back in touch with them.

"We've just replaced the guttering and that's all still in place which I don't think 18 months to two years ago would have been the case.

"This is the best 12 months the hall has had since I got involved several years ago."

Over the last two years Charfield Memorial Hall as gone from strength to strength, with a new kitchen, redecorated main hall, new tables and chairs, new PVC doors and better security lighting.

Rocks have also been placed around the hall to stop the building being used as a football goal and low walls have been removed from the grounds, which had been used by youths to loiter.

The hall has also recently received a £7,000 grant to pay for new disabled access toilets.

"Things for us are much better, with cases of vandalism down we are now able to put our funds and efforts into positive things and help move the hall forward," said Mr Hill.

Carol Parton, a former blood donor, said: "The blood service always said they had a fantastic turnout at the Charfield sessions and I haven't been since they stopped using the hall so it would benefit everyone if we could invite them back."

A spokesman for the National Blood Service said: "We will certainly look into using the Charfield Memorial Hall again.

"We are very grateful for venues provided to the National Blood Service as it allows us to collect blood from our donors across the country."

The National Blood Service's bloodmobile will be visiting Charfield Memorial Hall's car park on Monday, December 31 9am-1.45pm. To book an appointment call 08457 711711.