A FUNDRAISING drive has been launched in a bid to save a village hall dating back more than a century.

Fletcher Hall in East Saltoun needs “major works”, with plans for an extension to the rear of the building also in the pipeline.

Saltoun Community Association (SCA), a group of volunteers who manage the hall, is attempting to raise “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in a bid to ensure it remains a community asset.

An SCA spokeswoman said: “The fabric of the building is fragile and is deteriorating, requiring increasing levels of ongoing maintenance which brings with it not insignificant costs that are unsustainable in the long-term.

“East Lothian Council has been very helpful in contributing to some of the maintenance work, which is enabling us to keep the hall in use, renting it out to generate income, despite growing concerns as to its viability.

“Major works which require to be addressed include removal of asbestos within the structure of the hall, a new roof, improved heating and insulation, access for the disabled, improved catering facilities, better parking facilities and repair of the drive to the front of the building.

“In ideal circumstances the SCA would, funds being available, like to implement a major refurbishment project involving expansion and modernisation.

“The funding required for such a project is substantial and is currently beyond reach despite numerous initiatives and applications made to a variety of potential sources of funding.”

Various fundraisers, including a band night on April 16, are being lined up in a bid to see money raised for the hall, which is used by groups including Saltoun Primary School, pilates and fitness classes and Saltoun Playgroup.

Councillor John McMillan, from the Haddington and Lammermuir ward, stressed the importance of the building, which was gifted to the Saltoun community by the Fletcher family in the 1950s.

He said: “Village halls play an important part in sustaining and building a community, and Fletcher Hall is a real asset to the folk in the village and surrounding area.

“From my own experience in Macmerry many years ago, and having been involved in the building of Haddington Scout Hall, I know the amount of effort that goes into volunteering to keep a hall open, warm and weatherproof so that community events can go ahead.

“Officers in the council are committed to supporting the committee, and have been working with them on short-term repairs and looking for options for funding a new build.

“The campaign has my 100 per cent backing and I shall do all I can to help.”

Ward colleague Tom Trotter was similarly keen to do what he could. He added: “The Saltoun communities have used this vital asset for around 100 years and are rightly trying to ensure it can continue to host various events.”

Anyone looking to help out can visit www.saltouncommunity.net or send an email to jilljeans@btinternet.com