Leaders of the Tansley Village Hall Restoration Project have launched a campaign to find vital private investment, after hopes of a Lottery fund donation were dashed.

Project committee chairman David Johnston said: "The village hall is all we have left in terms of a community hub – we've lost our post office and our shop and there's just a couple of pubs left.

"Yet the roof's leaking, the decor drab and outdated, and the layout very restrictive.

"We need to make it fit for purpose for the 21st century, otherwise how can we sustain it financially over the longer term?" he asked.

The restoration project committee had hoped for a large cash injection from the Big Lottery Fund. But after that bid was declined they decided to appeal to residents, friends and businesses to contribute to the hall initiative.

Mr Johnston: "The whole village is supportive, and even people in Matlock have wished us well. It's just a question of turning that into fundraising now.

"It is a well-used village hall, but we have only got the income from users to maintain it and it's got so dilapidated.

"We really need to get it refurbished and certainly get a new roof. We'll need £250,000 to make it a really useful facility," said Mr
Johnston.

The church, the parish council, residents and Tansley Development Association supported the campaign he added.

Tansley residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, voice their views on the restoration plan and contribute to the fundraising initiative at the launch event on Friday May 16.

The open meeting launch event will start in the village hall at 7.30pm.