A fundraising appeal has been launched to help restore a "vital" community asset in Stourport. 

Over the winter, the roof, floor and heating system at Wilden Village Hall deteriorated forcing the committee to close the centre indefinitely. 

The hall, which is located on Wilden Lane, is an important part of the community and hosts a number of businesses, schools and sports groups including kickboxing, yoga and dog training. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The damaged floor The damaged floor (Image: Caitlin Skelding)

The closure has had a devastating impact on those running the hall with the treasurer, Caitlin Skelding, emphasising the importance of getting the hall back up and running again. 

The 26-year-old, from Kidderminster, said: "The hall has been experiencing wear and tear for a while now. There is damp under the floor and it needs repair work to the roof. 

"A structural engineer came out to have a look and we ended up having to close the hall as it wasn't safe. It has come at a very difficult time as there aren't any grants available and we're really struggling to raise the funds. 

"The hall is used by people of all ages from school children to elderly residents, so to lose it permanently would be devastating. Until the closure, we had groups regularly using the hall, but some have now gone elsewhere.

"We are losing our income and children are missing out if their groups aren't running or they can't get to the new locations."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Bliss Gate Dog Training sponsored walk Bliss Gate Dog Training sponsored walk (Image: Bliss Gate Dog Training)

The online fundraiser has already managed to raise £530 towards the £5,000 target with the chair of Wilden Village Hall, Samantha Ross, raising an additional £760.38 through her sponsored dog walk. 

Ms Ross runs her business, Bliss Gate Dog Training, from the hall and held the sponsored walk and training session last month. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The hall is an important community asset The hall is an important community asset (Image: Caitlin Skelding)

Ms Skelding said there are also additional donations, including an anonymous contribution, that have not been added to the total. 

The group is now asking the community and local tradespeople for help in bringing the hall back to its former glory with all donations gratefully accepted. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: The sponsored walk managed to raise almost £800 The sponsored walk managed to raise almost £800 (Image: Bliss Gate Dog Training)

She said: "We desperately want to restore this vital community asset to its former glory. The activities that run from the hall are important to both physical and mental health. For some older people, it is their only chance to get out of the house and socialise. 

"Every little donation helps whether it is £1 or £10 and we are so grateful for the support we have had so far. It means a lot to us for the community to pull together and the messages we have had so far have been lovely. There has been a lot of reminiscing about memories from the hall. 

"If there are any local traders that could help with the work then that would also be incredible."

To donate to the fundraiser visit https://pay.collctiv.com/repairs-to-wilden-village-hall-38155