Tockholes could lose its village hall unless residents support it, members have warned.

The Village Hall Committee (VHC) is talking with representatives of Tockholes Chapel, which owns the hall, to continue leasing it free for two years.

But to keep the hall going for the foreseeable future, the committee says residents must get behind their bid for funding by joining the committee.

Chairman Barry Hall appealed for help in the Tocus Talk newsletter. He said: "The VHC are prepared to work at making this a success. We have drawn up a constitution and are currently applying to get charity status. This will enable us to apply directly for grants that can help us.

"The VHC will be organising events and community activities to ascertain the desire and need for this facility by the village at large.

"If after two years we can't make it happen, we will lose it. Although this might not be important to some, just ask yourself why you live in a rural village. What makes it special and why is it a great place to live?

"Some residents will recall a proposed development, ten years ago, for a 55-house estate.

"Pretty much all the village gathered together in a common cause and this proposal was roundly defeated. Among many of the reasons cited was the unique infrastructure of the village.

"If the Village Hall was no longer there, what would make us unique? Next time the planners descend on us, our reasons for objection, based on the viability of the village, may well be seriously impacted."

Villagers are urged to attend VHC meetings and submit ideas, support village functions, volunteer to help run occasional activities, and anyone with a business who can help the committee should let them know.

Mr Hall added: "The net result will be a vibrant and inclusive facility that is available for all ages, from toddlers to pensioners."

The next committee meeting is tonight at 7.30pm.