THE Hobbes room in Malmesbury Town Hall has had an £8,000 face-lift, completing the last stage of the hall's six year renovation project.

The town council has been running the town hall, which was built in the middle of the 19th century, under a service agreement from North Wiltshire District Council and feels that the £8,000 is money well spent.

Coun Fred Moules said: "The money has come from economies made in maintenance budgets since we took over the running of the hall."

All the walls and stage have been repainted and gilt has been replaced on the facia surrounding the stage, all at a cost of £3,000.

The remaining £5,000 was spent on lighting including chandeliers, uplighters to show the wooden roof and spot lighting for the stage.

Many clubs, societies and activities ranging from karate to the Mayor's ball use the Hobbes Room, which is one of the last meeting places left in Malmesbury.

Coun Moules said: "The town hall is a great asset to the town. Since we took over running it bookings have increased 50 per cent."