A MASSIVE fundraising drive has been launched to safeguard the future of a village hall which is need of “major and expensive urgent renovation”.

The Rhydypennau Hall Committee have committed to finding cash to completely replace the roof at the site, which provides a community space for the village and residents of Bow Street.

While the current building was erected in 1953, there has been a community hall in Bow Street since 1920, and the community want to secure the future of the building with a new roof and refurbishment by the centenary in 2020.

Gordon Jones, vice chair of the Rhydypennau Hall Committee, told the Cambrian News that the renovation work at the “well-used” facility, which was raided by thieves last week, is “vital” for the village.

“Over the years the hall has helped the health and well-being of generations of local people, and we want to ensure that this valuable resource will still be with us in the future,” he said.

Maintaining and running the hall is very costly and funds are limited.

The weather, and general wear and tear, have taken their toll on the building - especially the roof - and major and expensive urgent renovation is needed.

“This will mean applying for large grants and raising money in the community.”

Mr Jones said that the committee was continually having to repair the roof - costing thousands each year.

While grant funding for constant repairs is more difficult to obtain, Mr Jones said funding for the “big idea” of a new roof and renovation would be “easier to come by.”

For more information, to get involved, or to donate to a fund-raising appeal, contact Mr Jones on 01970 820361.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now