A FIGHTING fund established to help safeguard the future of Bacup’s leisure hall has received a £1,700 boost.

Campaigners from the newly-formed Bacup Community Association have been given the cash from a fund originally designed to restore the fountain in Burnley Road.

The association has formulated a business plan to keep the venue open, after its existence was threatened by a Rossendale Council review of leisure provisions. Dave East, of Rossendale Dog Training Club, has been elected chairman of the group, Rod Smith is vice-chairman, with Kieran Dunkin acting as secretary and Greg King as treasurer.

Mr East said: “We are planning to use the hall as a venue for a charity fundraising night to help raise money.

“As well as beginning to fundraise, we are also asking residents of Rossendale to help us to rename the hall. We want to give the place a new and secure future and we believe a new identity will go a long way to achieving that aim.”

To suggest a new name for the hall or volunteer write to the association at 16 Zion Street, Bacup, OL13 9LT.