THE refurbishment of Shildon’s Civic Hall has reached the final stages.

The roof covering the main hall, and the frame for all the lower level roofing have been completed, and roof tiles are being fitted this week.

Asbestos has been removed from the roof, and new paving laid in the courtyard.

Internal building work in the lounge and bar area has finished, and the window frames have been installed.

A new bar, constructed by North-East furniture company Swandene, is ready for installation, and new bar furniture has been selected.

The theme is walnut wood, with dark brown and red leather chairs and couches.

The improvements package, worth £564,000, was due to finish at the end of this month (June), but some areas are running behind schedule.

The hall has remained open to the public throughout the refurbishment, and recent figures showed a drop in profits from bar meal sales.

Speaking during a meeting of Shildon Town Council this week, Coun Garry Huntington said: "It was right to leave the hall open, and I think we have got away fairly lightly.

"I think we will pull this money back when the work is complete."

Coun Gareth Howe added: "Under the present circumstances, I think the civic hall staff are doing an excellent job of keeping everything ticking over."