New move in bid to revamp Telford historic hall

The future of a landmark building in Telford will come under the spotlight tonight as campaigners step up their bid to preserve it for generations to come.

More than 40 Friends of Dawley Town Hall will be planning the next phase of the revamp of the building, which has been empty for several years.

They will be meeting at Dawley House, Burton Street, Dawley, from 6.30pm.

Paul Wolfe, chairman of Dawley Town Hall Partnership, said: " After a successful meeting on March 21 to rally support, we have now identified a large group of people who have an interest in securing Dawley Town Hall's future.

"We are always on the look out for new friends who could lend a helping hand or those who can show their support in other ways.

"Together, as Friends of Dawley Town Hall, we can celebrate our proud history and secure a bright future for Dawley Town Hall."

Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for environment, co-operative council and partnerships, said: "This project is all about working co-operatively with local people and setting up the Friends of Dawley Town Hall group is a big step forwards to achieving our goal.

"Lots of hard work has taken place so far and more events are planned. A community notice board and signage explaining about what the restoration will entail is soon to be installed on the town hall to keep people up to date with the developments.

"I would encourage anyone with an keen interest in this project to join the Friends of Dawley Town Hall tonight."

Work already done on the building, which has been a popular community hall for more than 100 years, include tidy-up events.

Facebook and Twitter pages are now and running at www.facebook.com/dawleytownhall or @dawleytownhall

Plans for the restoration have gained £140,000 backing from organisations including Telford & Wrekin Council, Capgemini, Dawley Regeneration

Partnership, Great Dawley Parish Council, Phoenix School and Telford College of Arts and Technology.

The partnership is seeking more money through a lottery bid.