MEMBERS of the community are being urged to show their support for Helmsley Town Hall, which is undergoing renovation work.

Last year trustees of the hall launched a project to repair and renovate the Grade II listed building, which was constructed in 1901.

So far, the roof and the lantern have been repaired, meaning the building is now watertight.

A run-down area to the rear of the town hall, known as the caretaker’s flat, is next on the list.

The aim is to renovate the space, to provide a meeting room, with the use of a small kitchen area and toilet facilities, which could be let. The upstairs kitchen will also be refurbished.

Jeanne Brown, town hall trustee, said: “Obviously, these renovations are extremely expensive, especially with this being a listed building.

“The only money we receive is from those people and organisations that hire the town hall or through grants.

“We were delighted to receive the sum of £4,750 as a community grant from the North York Moors National Park, towards the cost of refurbishing the lead work on the lantern and the weathervane.”

Helmsley Town Hall is a community charity run by volunteer trustees.

In 1958 the then Earl of Feversham gave the building to the parish of Helmsley, originally to serve as a courtroom and to provide a place for the community to pursue recreational activities.

Helmsley Community Library occupies part of the ground floor, with a main hall, meeting room and kitchen available to hire.

Jeanne said: “As trustees of the town hall we are responsible for providing a building for use by our community and residents – and we’re keen to improve the facilities so we can provide even more suitable rooms and spaces for those uses.

“We urge people to think of us for their events, and to get in touch with any ideas for the future of the town hall.”

Anyone wishing to book a space, or to give feedback or views on the town hall, should contact trustees at Helmsley Town Hall, The Market Place, Helmsley, YO62 5BL or by emailing chrissyme@btinternet.com