It is all go at the Lockerbie Old School Community Hub ... with some ho ho ho too.
After nearly 10 years of hard work by members of the community who wanted to see the disused 150-year-old site given a new lease of life, the first phase of construction is under way.
Newly-appointed communications officer for the Hub Alex Fleming said: “Dumfries-based Hardies Engineering have been entrusted with starting the project which will first see the interior stripped out to the bare brick to review what state the poor building is currently in ready for the main construction to begin next year.
“It is set to reopen its doors in the summer of 2024 as a new facility with space for a wide range of activities which will provide employment, volunteering, educational and social opportunities for the people of Lockerbie and the surrounding area like Lochmaben, Eaglesfield and Ecclefechan.
“We would like to thank Cunninghame Housing Association and Dumfries and Galloway Council who without their help this project would not be possible.”
Alex, whose role is to promote the project to the public, has been holding pop-in events in Lockerbie Town Hall every Monday between 11.15am and 2pm, showing the plan and answering and questions that residents may have.
She said: “Strip out work of the building is going extremely well with signs it will finish ahead of schedule.
“We are grateful to the local neighbours for their patience while the work is being carried out. We will soon be looking for volunteers to help with our new venture on the high street and details of this will be announced in the coming months.”
In the meantime, the volunteers have also been busy getting into the festive spirit planning for their Christmas Fair which will be held in Lockerbie Town Hall on Saturday, November 26, from 10am to 2pm.
Alex said: “We are really excited about it and the community supports it.
“We will have more than 30 different stalls for people to browse and get all their Christmas shopping done in one place.
“A £1 entry will include a hot drink and mince pie.”
