EFFORTS to save a historic clubhouse for community use – and support injured servicemen in the process – are reaching a crucial stage.

The Royal British Legion, in Wivenhoe, needs to raise more than £200,000 to make alterations and improvements to its rundown hall, on the town’s quay, so it can be hired out.

Chairman Laurence Knox said it was more vital than ever the work continues, with servicemen and women returning injured from Afghanistan every day.

The hall has fallen into disrepair in recent years and a new team of members came in 18 months ago to save the branch and the hall.

It needs complete rewiring, extensive plumbing work, improved toilets, a replacement staircase and the fire safety brought up to date.

Mr Knox said: “The original hall was built in 1928 and then I think local people added on to it, but none of that meets with the regulations needed to hire it out to groups.”

Architects, who are members of the Royal British Legion, have drawn up plans for free. It is hoped these will be submitted to Colchester Council soon.

About £25,000 has been raised through events, including a firework display.

Mr Knox said he hoped enough had been gathered for them to begin putting in applications for grants, which would be needed to get the work done to the hall, on the quay.

He continued: “Everyone in the town has been so supportive and we are so pleased with the money we have already got.

“I think being so close to Colchester, which is a garrison town, makes people very sympathetic to the cause.

“It is more important, now than ever, to keep the British Legion’s work going, as soldiers are being brought home every day from Afghanistan with long-term injuries.”

A concert, called Rock the Quay, will be held in aid of the cause at Wivenhoe Quay on Easter Sunday, starting at 7.30pm.