A SOCIAL hall at the centre of controversy earlier in the year was brought to life at the weekend.

An event organised by the group hoping to take it over saw dozens of families flock to Savernake Social Hall in Old Town for music, dancing and entertainment.

The hall’s working party, which hopes to take over from Swindon Council, held Saturday’s event to find out what the community want from the venue.

Working party member Anna Smart said: “Lots of people filled out questionnaires. We want the hall to be a vibrant and busy place.

“Old Town doesn’t have one place where people go and meet. It is quite difficult around here to get to know your neighbours.

“We want this to be somewhere people can meet and be a community rather than just a group of houses.”

The fun day included performances from groups who use the hall including Hooping Mad, Tutu Tots, and Swindon Tamil Association.

There was also a history display and a children’s drawing competition.

In February, there were concerns the hall would be taken over by the Swindon Tamil Association alone, but Swindon Council always refuted the claims.

A working party was set up at a meeting in September but a date has not yet been set for when the group could take over.

“We have got to put together a business plan and form a registered charity before we can take on the lease,” said Anna.

“What we are trying to do is work out how we can make it profitable and used by the community, which is why we are doing events like this.”