A volunteer-run community hall serving rural communities near Carlisle is set to benefit from a £500 grant from Stagecoach.

Beaumont Parish Hall, located on Stagecoach’s Route 93 and serving a parish of around 500 residents across five villages, has received the funding to support its ongoing reconstruction project. The hall is being rebuilt to replace the original prefabricated structure dating back to 1947, with completion expected in May 2026.

The Stagecoach funding will contribute towards the installation of a new automatic, step-free front door. With £3,000 already pledged, the project is now working to raise the remaining £8,000 needed to deliver the upgrade.

The improved entrance will transform access for people with limited mobility, older residents and parents with pushchairs, enabling independent and safe entry. The enhancement is also expected to strengthen community wellbeing by reducing isolation and supporting wider participation in social, youth and fitness activities hosted at the hall.

As a central hub for local life, Beaumont Parish Hall provides a vital space for events, clubs and community programmes, supporting both residents and visitors across the area.

Peter Goulston from Beaumont Parish Hall Committee said: “This support from Stagecoach is a significant boost to our fundraising efforts and brings us closer to delivering a fully accessible community space. The new entrance will make a real difference to many people across our villages, ensuring everyone can take part in the activities and opportunities the hall provides.”

Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire, said: “Our Giving For Good Community Fund is designed to support grassroots projects that make a tangible difference to local people. Beaumont Parish Hall plays an important role at the heart of its community, and this project will help ensure it remains accessible and welcoming for everyone. We’re pleased to support its redevelopment and the positive impact it will have for years to come.”

Stagecoach operates bus services across Cumbria, including Carlisle, Barrow, Workington and Kendal, helping connect communities and support sustainable, inclusive travel.