AN historic tram shelter in Hoddlesden is getting a new lease of life after years of campaigning by the local community.

The building, in Hoddles-den Road, which was don-ated to the people of the village by the Carus family in 1923, had fallen into disrepair in recent years with rot, broken windows and graffiti.

But thanks to the work of the East Rural Network and a helpful local businessman, it is now being used as a bus shelter and a place for shoppers to escape the rain.

The network, which is made up of business owners and residents from Hoddles-den and surrounding vill-ages, decided to raise funds to give the building a facelift. They have currently raised £6,000.

So far the stonework has been sandblasted inside and out, and the pointing re-worked.

Intricate wrought iron-work has been fitted into spaces where glass windows used to be and metal bench seats will be installed.

There are plans to paint the inside of the building to stop any graffiti soaking into the stone and drains will be replaced.

The group hopes to replace damaged parts of the blue slate when more money is secured. A local business-man has also offered to remake the weather vane, which used to stand on top of the roof, but fell off in bad weather.

East Rural Network member Dilys Dyer said: “We are halfway along the project and hope to have it finished within the next few weeks.

“It belongs to the whole community and really is quite unique.

“There has been a lot of interest in it from local people and businesses.”

The network hopes to raise another £10,000 from other available grants to complete the work.

Reclaimed materials will be used when possible so that the original look of the building is maintained.