A FUNDRAISING campaign is under way to refurbish a parish hall after a vote to save it as a community venue.

Last summer, residents in Sedgefield supported proposals to refurbish Sedgefield Parish Hall when they were faced with four options for the future of their community centre.

The referendum ended a consultation process that started in 2001 and now Sedgefield Town Council is searching for funds to realise the aspirations.

The town council has secured £37,000 from Sedgefield Borough Council's local improvement programme grants scheme.

Now it is stepping up its campaign to raise enough cash to revamp the building, which has become rundown during the years of uncertainty.

With a new roof and structural work to the walls required, estimates for the work have been as high as £175,000.

Town clerk Lesley Swinbank said: "There was overwhelming support for retaining the existing parish hall last year.

"Now we are in the process of accessing funding through a range of avenues to address various issues at the hall.

"Work to refurbish the fabric of the building is the priority. We hope to get as much money as possible from external sources to reduce the financial implications for the town council, as we will have to find the balance.

"We will be very grateful for what we get."

The council has applied for grants and spoken to businesses that could help financially or offer support to the efforts in other ways.

Mrs Swinbank hopes to have an estimated bill and decisions about funding bids in the next two months so the council can launch a fundraising campaign with a target in mind.

She said: "Within the next couple of months we hope to know the balance and launch a campaign.

"As some of the work is fairly urgent I'd like to think things can be in place to start work as soon after the New Year as practicable."

Mrs Swinbank said the community will be updated about any developments and anyone able to contribute is asked to call 01740-621273.