A VILLAGE hall has launched a campaign urging residents to donate £1 and one hour of their time to ensure the bustling centre survives impending council cuts.

From March next year, Trimdon Village Hall, near Sedgefield, will lose its centre development manager, as part of funding cuts by Durham County Council.

Keen to ensure the hall does not suffer when she leaves, Victoria Tiffin, who holds the post, is appealing to residents to donate a small amount of money and time to keep the much-used amenity going.

“We are asking everyone to donate £1 and an hour of their time each month,” she said. “Of course it would be wonderful if people wanted to donate more.

“If we had just ten people giving up an hour of their time every month it would make such a massive difference.

“We have about eight regular volunteers here, as well as others who help out at big events. They are wonderful and we could not manage without them but it would be great to get more younger people involved too.”

Located in the heart of the village, Trimdon Village Hall is very much a community hub, with about 300 people passing through the door each week.

In the last two years, the hall has opened a new play park, helped 75 people back to work through its careers advice service and jobs fair, held a host of community events and introduced new classes and activities for people of all ages.

It is also holds a food bank every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Ms Tiffin said: “Since increasing our activities the crime rate has fallen by 60 per cent. It has also led to a reduction in social exclusion, as by keeping our events to a minimum cost and, in many cases, free it allows low income families to join in and feel part of the community.”

This year, Sainsbury’s supermarket in Sedgefield named Trimdon Village Hall its local charity of the year and the fundraising efforts of staff and customers has been a tremendous help.

However, Ms Tiffin said more funds and volunteers were still needed.

To find out more or to make a donation visit trimdonvillagehall.co.uk, pop into the centre or call 01429-881948.