A COMMUNITY trust has been formed as the battle to save a village hall is stepped up.

Users and residents have joined forces to protect Holden Hall, at Oakworth, from closure.

The premises, on the main road through the village, were among seven buildings district-wide that cash-strapped Bradford Council wanted community groups to take on.

City Hall bosses warned that if no-one stepped forward, the facilities would shut.

Oakworth Community Trust has been granted charitable status and has submitted a formal expression of interest to the Council for a community asset transfer of the building.

A full application is now being drawn up.

Trust secretary Martin van der Boon said: “We are seeking funding from a number of organisations to help with completion of the application and its submission, which has to be done within the next three months.

“Two trustees have attended an awareness course to help with the process of identifying funding opportunities and they will be attending further training.

“Whilst working towards the community asset transfer, the trust has also been busy on other fronts.

“We analysed the feedback from a village consultation into the use of the hall and in response new activities have been arranged.

“The feedback is also shaping the business plan.

“We’re making rapid progress towards securing the hall’s future and improving the services available from the premises.”

The trust has also launched fundraising efforts to provide life-saving defibrillators for community use.

Over £1,000 has been coined in so far, through activities including a raffle and collection at Oakworth Co-op.

The next fundraiser is a three-course dinner and auction at the hall on Saturday, May 6, from 7pm.

Auction lots donated by businesses include a photo session, driving lesson, afternoon tea for two and restaurant vouchers.

Tickets are available – priced £17.50 – from the Co-op, Sewing Days cafe in Oakworth or by e-mailing events@

oakworthcommunitytrust.org.uk.

For more details about the trust or to get involved, visit oakworthcommunitytrust.org.uk or search on Facebook for Oakworth Community Trust.