Ref. 23985-18CAMPAIGNERS have launched an ambitious £200,000 scheme to reinstate the first floor of Cricklade parish hall, returning the historic building to its former glory.

A campaign to revamp St Sampson's Parish Hall, Bath Road, started two years ago and now renovation work is due to enter its second phase.

The Grade II listed structure was built as a school in 1652 and is now home to a number of groups, including the town's band and the Cricklade Day Care Centre, which cares for the elderly.

But the premises need urgent work, not only to improve their appearance but also to solve problems such as damp and draughts and to stabilise the structure. Repair work on the windows on the north side was finished in August.

Money for the work came from grants and fundraising events such as coffee mornings and a reunion of former pupils of the school.

Further grants of £7,500 from North Wiltshire District Council and Cricklade Town Council will enable work on the southern and western windows to start in the next couple of months.

But residents are hoping there will be a complete overhaul of the building, including reinstating the first floor, which was removed during Victorian times.

Kate Crow, chairman of the parish hall management committee, estimates a further £200,000 will be needed for the project.

"We have done incredibly well but the next push is going to be major," she said.

"Reinstating the first floor is important because it will stabilise the building.

"There was a first floor right up to the mid 19th century but the Victorians took it out and we had problems with the walls.

"Putting in the floor would mean more office space and storage space for local groups to use."

The group will continue with fundraising activities as well as targeting bodies like the Heritage Lottery Fund for grants.

"I am hoping 2004 will bring us a windfall," Mrs Crow said. "If we managed to get £100,000 from a charity then it would feel possible to get the rest."

The architect's plans for the refurbishment of the interior are on display in the parish hall and in the town council offices.

The Cricklade Save It Club, which raises funds to restore St Sampson's Parish Hall, runs a scheme allowing supporter to sponsor a diamond on the window for £10 or a section for £150.

It also runs a monthly prize draw, proceeds of which go to the parish hall fund.

If you would like to join the Save It Club, contact Kate Crow on 01793 751386.

Bhavani Vadde