Representatives of Longridge community attended a special official opening of the Village Hall and primary school extension. The £1.4 million investment programme has provided new community facilities for local people and improve the facilities at the school for pupils and staff.

Performing the official opening on behalf of the Council Leader Peter Johnston, Councillor Greg McCarra commented: "I am delighted to have been asked to mark the opening of the new Village Hall and primary school extension. The project provides excellent new facilities for the local community and the school. The improved facilities will undoubtedly become a focus for community life."

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Improvements include: a new community hall, a teaching base, a general purpose room, changing and improved toilet provision. The extra teaching spaces are part of the council's commitment to class size reduction.

The new extension also employs ground source heating which significantly reduces the building's carbon footprint. In line with the council's policy to achieve sustainable and efficient use of energy wherever possible, the new extension is heated solely from eight boreholes sunk 100 metres into the ground thereby eliminating the need to use either gas or electricity for this purpose. The use of this technology, being the first of its type in West Lothian, will be carefully monitored in comparison with similar installations with a view to further expand its use in the future.

The building also incorporates 'sliding wall' glazed doors to increase the flexibility of the internal spaces and on a similar note, the Community Hall while being designed to accommodate the requirements of the school, is also equipped with flexible staging, lighting and retractable auditorium equipment which will enhance the possible uses to the community. The extra teaching spaces are part of the council's commitment to class size reduction.

(CD/KMcA)