RESIDENTS of Little Chalfont have emphatically given their support to plans for a new Community Centre in the village.

More than 95 per cent of people who responded to a survey said they were in favour of the new centre, which it is hoped will be built on the same site as the Village Hall and Community Library.

In September Little Chalfont Parish Council, Friends of Little Chalfont Library and Little Chalfont Community Association made presentations to villagers outlining their vision, before letting them air their views.

And the response was an overwhelming yes, as 630 people voted in support of the development and just 21 voted against.

Brian Drew, Chairman of Little Chalfont Parish Council, said: "I had stated that I would be very pleased if more than 500 people voted - to have more than 650 votes, with over 95 per cent expressing support for a new building, gives a clear mandate for the project to move forward.

"However, there is still much work to do and a further consultation will be carried out when we have more definite plans."

Roger Funk, Chairman of Little Chalfont Community Association, said: "The outcome is a strong endorsement of the need for improved facilities and re-affirms the inclusion of a new Community Centre in our Community Action Plan. There are challenges ahead but none that cannot be overcome, with all involved working with us in a spirit of co-operation."

The library is being run by a team of volunteers, who last year were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for their efforts over four and a half years to keep it open.

Jim Brooks, Chairman of the Friends of Little Chalfont Community Library, said: "This is a resounding vote in favour of major improvements to the facilities available to the community. A new Community Centre twinned with increased space for the Community Library is exactly what the community needs and deserves."