A COMMUNITY building which has been the centre of village life for more than a century is in need of urgent repair.

The Barlow in Edgworth is in need of extensive work, particularly to the roof, electrical rewiring, replacement of the windows and redecoration ­— with the improvements running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

On Saturday, the trustees will be staging an information session to outline the extent of the problems of the building and how plans for grant funding are progressing.

Trustees are anxious to get the roof of the 110-years-old repaired to stop water leaks which are causing problems of damp in the building.

Treasurer Cllr Colin Rigby said: “We are applying to several funds with the Heritage Lottery Fund , Viridor and Veolia being the biggest ones, as well as some smaller ones.

“The biggest job is the roof, we have had temporary repairs done but they are temporary repairs. The roof and the damp ingress is the biggest problem.”

He added: “The building is 110 years old and the repairs will ensure longevity of the building.

“The structure of the building and the floor is sound.”

No part of the building is out of bounds but trustees say investment in to the building is urgently needed.

In an open letter chair Christine Waring urged people to write a letter of support to emphasis the important role The Barlow plays in the community and to send them to consultation@thebarlow.co.uk or left in The Barlow Office.

Christine said: "The Barlow is at the centre of the community and the people value it enormously.

"We make enough money to keep it going but not enough to cover the replacement of the roof.

"We already u get massive support from the community.

""e have had the little ones who are members of the scouts and guides already write letters of support.

"The Barlow is thriving but the building is showing its age"

The consultation and information session runs from 10am to noon on Saturday and after the drop-in session people can find out more about becoming a members of the group Friends of The Barlow.

For more information visit www.thebarlow.co.uk/whats-on.