A “JEWEL” in Bolton’s crown is in need of a huge funding boost of nearly £250,000 in order to secure its future in the town.

The Victoria Hall has been relying on benefit concerts and events to keep it ticking by but the historic building needs some expensive TLC.

After seeing a swell of support from the local community after revealing it could face closure in three years if money for the upkeep could not be found, trustees are hoping it can raise more substantial funds through a Heritage Lottery Fund application.

The result of the application, which could help raise around a quarter of a million for the building, is expected for later this month.

Trustee David Tomlinson said: “We want to make the building water tight, seal windows and just make it fit for purpose.

“People have been very generous and supportive but there are other costs we need to look at to ensure a future.

“We have had a lot of leaks over winter which we have had to patch up.

“The money which has been raised has helped pay the day to day costs but that does not help get over the big hurdle of the huge amount of money we need to bring the building up to scratch.”

Benefit concerts and events, such as heritage tours, of the Grade II listed building are helping to raise more than £10,000 a year but with running costs of £500 a day, it is quickly gone.

Built in 1901 and owner by the Methodist Church, Victoria Hall’s last refurbishment took place back in 1963.

This winter trustees have spent up to £15,000 from its reserve on repairs to water damage, while also having to meet rising electricity and heating bills.

A Friends of Victoria Hall group is helping to organise fundraisers while the hall has taken on a business development officer and facilities manager to improve its commercial viability.

A special fundraising concert is also taking place today organised by The Brixi Singers, Ladybridge Singers and Dawson’s Academy of Dance.

Ladybridge musical director Robert Aston said: “We want to make people more aware of the need to preserve this magnificent jewel.

“It is one of the great concert halls and is a great asset for the Bolton community and we are doing our very best to raise as much money as possible.

“Bolton has an incredible culture of drama and music societies The Victoria Hall plays a very important part in that as a magnificent venue.”

An Evening of Song and Dance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets sold on the door.