THE owners of a community hub in York want to refurbish its bar.

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, which runs New Earswick Folk Hall, has applied for permission to expand the bar which is used for functions at the listed building, opened more than 100 years ago as part of the Rowntree family’s “model village”.

The hall stages parties, receptions and tea dances and is a base for community groups.

The trust said its bar is too small, making it inefficient and expensive to run.

A decision on a planning application is expected next month.