REGULARS at a community hall are enjoying a new-look kitchen after a major refurbishment.

Residents of the Southmead complex near Siddington cancelled their Christmas get-togethers at the hall after housing agency Bromford closed it in December so the kitchen could be upgraded.

They were unhappy they were not warned about the work in advance, but now the hall is open again.

Adella Matley, service manager at Bromford, said: “There was a gap in communication and customers were not informed and the timing of it was not great. We hold our hands up.”

She added: “We want to add something of benefit by way of an apology. It will be either a barbecue or a piece of furniture for the garden. We are in consultation with residents.”

As part of the refurbishment, Bromford installed additional shelving, cupboards, worktops and repositioned the boiler to create more space.

Resident Walter Stagg said regulars were pleased with the new facilities and looking forward to receiving something for the garden.