A HISTORIC building in Edgworth needs £200,000 to fix its roof.

Volunteers at The Barlow, in Bolton Road, were dealt the blow after taking over the management of the building from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The fundraising mission will aim to cover the costs of the new roof over the next five to seven years.

A Henry VIII charity auction this Saturday will be the first event held to inject cash into the project.

The historic building was taken over by members of the community three years ago after Blackburn with Darwen Council announced £42,000 of funding annually would be pulled along with paid for staff.

Since the takeover, funding has been generated from community events such as a folk festival, weddings and parties. Residents have redecorated, made repairs throughout the building and upgraded the toilets.

Work to the roof would involve replacing all the tiles, leaded roof valleys, cast iron guttering and downspouts. The damage is beyond repair.

Cllr Colin Rigby, treasurer of the Barlow Trust, and a member of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It is a very large roof comprising of individual roofs, five chimney stacks, a feature clock tower, and multiple roof lights.”

“The Barlow target is to generate an income of around £50,000 a year to address a combination of the roofing challenge, secondary areas of concern identified in the condition report and further general upgrades.

“The vision is very clear and that is to celebrate our Barlow inheritance by ensuring that the community focal point continues to be available for future generations.”

The charity auction will involve mediaeval entertainment with a Henry VIII actor who will run the event.

A gift-aided donation scheme will be launched next month to help with the fundraising.

The auction will start at 7pm. Tickets cost £5. Raffle donations are welcome.

For tickets and more details call Sandra on 01204 852103 or Diane on 01204 852032.