PLANS to raise £150,000 to transform the Parish Rooms in Westwood have been given a boost after MP Duncan Hames visited to offer support.

The Liberal Democrat MP for the Chippenham constituency was given a grand tour of the rooms, which it is hoped will be modernised to better serve the community.

The funding project has already raised just under half the £150,000 and the MP’s support may increase this further.

Retired clergyman Canon Richard Askew, who is helping the parochial church council to mastermind the project, said: “He [Mr Hames] was extremely supportive about what we are trying to do and he saw it was a good thing for Westwood and that it will make a better sense of community.

We are delighted that we have his support.”

Should the target be reached, the rooms built at the end of the 19th century, would be expanded and facilities such as the kitchen and disability access improved.

The new facilities would support community use for young people, charities, council meetings and church activities.

The National Trust and Holy Trinity, Bradford, have promised to donate £40,000 and more than £30,000 has been accumulated from generous donations by the public.

“Phase one of the funding is complete which was to post a brochure pack into each of the 520 homes in Westwood for collections,” said Mr Askew.

“Out of just door-to-door collections we have managed to raise £30,620 which if you think about it is an average of £58 a house. Frankly it is amazing and we’re extremely grateful to those who have made a donation.”

Plans are now in place to approach other charities and trusts hoping they will make large financial contributions which Mr Askew knows is vital to reach the £150,000 target.

“We’re very confident that we will be able to raise the funds, but it just depends on how the charities and trusts all react,” he added.

“There is no fixed deadline it is just when we manage to get the money together.”

People who still want to donate can do so by sending it to the treasurer, David Needham at 38, The Pastures, or by calling 01225 866 322.