RESIDENTS have launched a £20,000 appeal to spruce up their village’s historic “Idiot Hut”.

Regulars at the Hut, Oxenhope’s social club and institute, are urging past users to help them raise cash for improvements at the 80-plus-year-old building, which has been described as the “heart of the community.”

They say repairs and renovation are vitally needed to provide a bright future for the former Methodist chapel.

The building has a rather unusual history, having been carried over from Lancashire in the 1930s and rebuilt.

The Hut, in reality Oxenhope Sports and Recreational Club, is the largest live venue in the village but needs renovation to ensure the club can continue to attract users and stay afloat.

The Idiot Hut was so-called in honour of a group of mill workers and farmers who chipped together to purchase the building and bring it to Oxenhope.

They travelled to Nelson via horse and cart and brought the former chapel back piece-by-piece, reconstructing it on its current site in Lowertown, Oxenhope.

Most parts of the original church, such as the partition walls, have since been ere removed, along with the lectern, which was still on the stage well into the Seventies.

One of the fundraisers said: “Today the club is the largest live venue in Oxenhope and is frequented by locals, which gives the club a warm welcoming atmosphere.

“Whether a band is playing, a charity event is taking place, the local football club are meeting for an after-match drink or a table top sale is in full swing, the club serves a wide range of locals and is definitely the heart of the community.

“As you will imagine, after 80-plus years the club is now in a very sorry state and is desperately in need of repair.

“The failing wooden-frame building shows signs of decay, and deterioration can be seen internally and externally.

“The seating inside the club is also very worn and is well past its best.”

Members are appealing for support from both villagers and people further afield, in the hope repairs will both keep the club afloat and attract more business with a refurbished interior.

The fundraisers add: Any donations large or small would be vastly appreciated.

“If you are local to Oxenhope, imagine the village without the club and what the land could be used for.

“More houses in the village is not what is needed.

“Perhaps you’ve held a party in the free function room, or attended a party?

“Maybe you drink there or attend events at the club?

“Could you spare a small amount to help renovate the club?

“The club is also a stop-off point at the well-known annual Oxenhope Straw Race!”

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sp-laughton to make a donation to help refurbish the Idiot Hut.