A BUSINESSWOMAN with a strong community spirit is building a village hall as part of a venture within a holiday cottage project.

Jessica Barker, along with husband Phillip, runs the luxury Thief Hole Cottages in Thornton-le-Moor, between Thirsk and Northallerton, and is currently developing an old pig shed into two further cottages plus two large hall spaces for use as a wedding venue and village hall.

Mrs Barker, a parish councillor at Thornton-le-Moor, said she plans to allow the village to use the hall for free, despite it being part of her growing business, which also includes being a healthy living coach.

She said: “The village hall project started about two years ago. I have always wanted to work with the village, I just want it to be a fantastic community, which it already is but there’s no church hall or pub so there’s nowhere to meet.

“I’m a parish councillor so have worked with the council and the local Village Society Committee, which also runs events and activities.

“Currently the parish council has to travel to Thornton-le-Street – it’s not far away but we do want our own space.”

“When we had plans made up for the new development, I invited everyone from the village to come and see them and give us any ideas. Communication is important and I wanted everyone to feel included.”

Mrs Barker said although she won’t be charging village groups and events for using the hall, she said her cottage guests will also be invited to get involved, and she hopes to spread the word about her health and fitness business.

She said: “Part of the new development will be a wellness centre so we will have exercise classes and healthy living group meetings."

Christine Ogden, secretary of Thornton-le-Moor Village Society Committee, said she was thrilled the village would have its own base.

“We hold a May fete in residents’ gardens and put on Shakespeare in the churchyard, so we do try to keep things going and cater for everyone in the community,” she said.

“The village hall will be fantastic for the village and I’m so grateful that Jessica has given the village this opportunity.”

Mrs Barker said the hall will be open in September and she hopes to hold an open event with a wedding fair in October. For information about the cottages or life coach services contact Jessica@thiefhole.co.uk or 07815-791395.