Hitchin MP Bim Afolami joined Kimpton's District Councillor Ralph Muncer at the Kimpton Recreation Ground recently as the politicians re-affirmed their support for plans to regenerate a pavilion there. 

The project – brought forward by Kimpton Parish Council – will transform the pavilion into a vibrant community asset, with a fitness studio, changing rooms, accessible toilets and potential for a café.

With a £1,000 grant already granted by the District Council's Southern Rural Area Forum, the Parish Council have also applied for funding from the Government's Community Ownership Fund – a bid which has received support from Mr Afolami. 

Bim Afolami MP said: "The plans to regenerate the pavilion on Kimpton Recreation Ground will create a fantastic new community asset and are testament to a really good, forward-thinking local Parish Council.

"It was a pleasure to visit the Recreation Ground with councillor Muncer to see the current pavilion for myself and discuss how we can work together to try to secure further funding to deliver this project for residents. 

"I look forward to continuing to work with Cllr. Muncer, the Parish Council and others in our community to unlock the potential of this pavilion." 

The pavilion – located on the village's Recreation Ground – is currently said to be in very poor condition internally and refurbishment would bring it into wider community use, with a new fitness studio, café serving healthy drinks and foods, upgraded toilets, and a storage facility. 

Councillor Muncer added:  "Having spoken to a number of local residents about this project, I can safely say there is a sense of excitement within our community about the refurbishment of the pavilion enabling it to be used as a multi-functional community space. 

"The pavilion is currently in a state of disrepair and leaving it in this state would be detrimental and result in greater cost implications in the long term.

"I'm delighted to see our superb Parish Council take the lead on this project and I know that both Bim and myself will continue to do all we can to support the Parish Council deliver a facility fit for the future."