RESIDENTS are being urged to help raise vital funds in a bid to secure the roof of their village hall.

A committee is pleading for villagers to help them raise £55,000 to repair the damaged roof of Ogilvie Hall, in Wignall Street, Lawford.

Ogilvie Hall management committee has so far been awarded a £10,000 grant from Tendring Council’s Big Society Initiative as well as £10,000 from Essex County Council and £2,000 from Lawford Parish Council.

But about £30,000 is still needed to cover the costs of repairs which will stop the hall’s roof from leaking.

Iris Marr, fundraiser for the committee, said: “We do not need to catch drips in buckets yet, but if these are not fixed then rain will certainly gain access and the hall will become unsafe to use “If we cannot get it done this summer we will have to wait until next summer, by then there probably will be leakage - and extra costs added to the current quote of £55,000 - £17,000 of which is the scaffolding.

“We have to agree to a start date soon or lose the current quote.”

The small hall and gardens are used by the Montessori School and the other halls are used during the day and evenings by community groups.

Mrs Marr added: “Many local people already use Ogilvie Hall and it is the heavy usage which makes our window to get the work done so narrow.”

Last year two quizzes raised £750 and two more quizzes in aid of the repairs will be held this year on April 21 and May 26.

Tables can be reserved for both dates by calling Steve Marr on 01206 390293.