CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a church hall in Hammer are hoping a long lease can be agreed on terms the village can afford.

A public meeting was held by Lynchmere Parish Council in June after villagers were given six months to raise more than £200,000 to buy St Michael’s Hall.

The hall had been pronounced surplus to requirements by Chichester Diocese last year and put up for sale.

A charity fund was launched at the meeting to raise the money to prevent the church hall being sold off.

Villagers fear if they lose the church hall, it will be the death blow to heavily-used Hardman Hoyle Hall, which shares the same access and car park.

The parish council has registered St Michael’s Hall as an asset of community value in a order to prevent it being sold on the open market, but campaigners must raise more than £200,000 to match an offer already made for St Michael’s Hall by a private buyer.

Parish council chairman Sylvia McCallum told The Herald: “One possibility being considered at present is that a long lease for the site could be agreed between the trustees of St Michael’s and Lynchmere Parish Council.

“We hope terms can be agreed which satisfy the trustees requirement for best value, whilst recognising the value of the substantial renovations which will be needed from Lynchmere Parish Council to enable St Michael’s to offer facilities which comply with current health and safety regulations.

“Leases of up to 35 years have been agreed by church authorities elsewhere in similar circumstances and have the benefit of enabling some continued church use should it be desired and providing some income in the form of rent.

“However, the terms of such a lease also need to reflect any financial contributions made to the repair and maintenance of the building and to avoid a situation similar to the present happening at the end of the lease.

“A lease on the right terms could be a solution to resolve the impasse which has distressed both community and church.

“There is concern the November 30 deadline for a purchase by the community is fast approaching, so Lynchmere Parish Council are hoping that the diocese will be able to follow up these discussions soon. Lynchmere Parish Council would like to thank everyone for their continuing support.”

The diocese was contacted by The Herald but declined to comment.