Community group aims to buy building from church

The venue hosts a wide range of community focused groups and activities

A campaign has been launched to bring a "cherished" venue into community ownership by Christmas.

The Trinity Rooms in Stroud, Gloucestershire, now serves as a food bank, community cafe and it is also used by clubs.

The hub is owned by a church but campaigners hope to purchase the facility to make improvements.

They said they had secured £100,000 in pledges and have fundraised a further £32,000, with another £72,000 needed to reach their target.

Trustee Fran Mosley said: "This is a moment to be seized - we have over half the purchase price promised on the condition we raise the rest.

"These kinds of community spaces are being lost across the country; we won't let that happen in Stroud."

The building is used by a variety of charities including those working with mental health, climate change and anti-racism campaigning.

Every year it also hosts a Christmas meal supporting some of the town's most vulnerable people over the festive period, said campaigners.

'Get involved'

Trustee James Millar said: "Some of the things we need to do to care for the building will only become possible once we become the owners.

"We need to make rapid progress with this part of the project, so we can concentrate on improving the insulation, and adding solar panels amongst other works."

Katharina Child, another trustee, added: "There are plenty of ways to get involved, come for the events, spread the word, or set up a regular donation.

"However you help, you'll be part of something that matters."