AN ambitious fundraising scheme has been launched to save a historic building.

Volunteers running The Barlow in Edgworth hope villagers will pledge “less than the price of a pint a week” — £5 a month — to raise the £200,000 needed to renovate the crumbling 105-year-old community hub.

In order to safeguard the building for future generations the volunteers have started sending out 3,000 flyers to households in the village and beyond, inviting people to join a Friend of The Barlow scheme.

Money is needed for a range of improvements, crucially replacing clay tiled roofs which are currently leaking.

Organiser Mike King says the response so far has been encouraging.

He is hoping that working families with an affinity for The Barlow, but who don’t have time to volunteer to help out themselves, will be prepared to support it financially.

Mr King said: “It is less than a pint of beer a week.

“By making a donation they can make sure it is here for their kids and themselves in due course.”

Problems came to light following a inspection last year which revealed the flashings were failing and gutters had perished, allowing rain to get into the building.

Tenders are currently being sought from builders to renovate the five roofs and tower.

The planned repairs are part of scheme to update the building over the next five to seven years and ensure it remains useable by local people, who currently include a wide range of local groups from craft clubs to scouting organisations.

The volunteers are heartened by a recent survey which showed that local people put it top of list of facilities they want to keep and revealed it is the second most visited building in the area after the pubs.

Mr King added: “Most people say we should do everything we can to preserve it.

“The positive feedback we are getting suggests we will succeed.”

Anyone who wants to become a Friend of the Barlow or wants to volunteer can ring 01204 852216 or visit thebarlow.co.uk.