A community association has made a call to arms for more volunteers in a desperate bid to save Clayton village hall from closure.

The village hall is owned by Clayton residents but it is run by a small group of five volunteers and trustees, called the Clayton Community Association, and it is in desperate need of more helpers to keep the building running.

The village hall costs £12,000 a year and its finances, which mainly come from the rents and donations, are said to be in a precarious position.

The volunteers fear if any emergency structural repairs needed to be done they would not have the extra funds to have the repairs done.

The hall has been described by volunteers as the “hub” of the community and is used as a place for groups to meet including the Clayton Parish Council, toddlers groups, zumba classes, coffee morning, bingo sessions, and neighbourhood watch and police liaison meetings.

It also has a refurbished bar which is used for weddings and functions, but has potential to be used for more events. Clayton Parish Councillor Dennis Delaney has been visiting the hall for eight years and is concerned about its future if the association does not get more volunteers.

He said: “The Clayton Village Hall has for many years played a prominent part in the lives of people of Clayton and is now sadly in danger of closing without more local support. Historically we can go back to dances which took place here after the war.

“But unless the people of Clayton rally round and volunteer to assist the hall where they can there is a real danger of possible closure, which would be a very sad day for Clayton.”

Clayton Village Hall was built in 1877 to house Clayton Liberal Club. In 1983 it was designated as a Grade II listed building.

Fundraising manager Eileen Edgley said: “The village hall brings so much pleasure to so many people.”

Bradford Councillor Carol Thirkill, (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) is chairman of the association. She said if someone could set up a website for the group, it would help.

An open day is planned for Saturday from noon to 3pm to demonstrate what the hall has to offer. Call 07734 513652.