A FUNDRAISER aimed at securing the future of a community hub has received a £2,050 boost, but it still needs to raise more than £8,000.

The Witham Community Hub was handed its latest donation by district councillors using cash from their community grant scheme.

It takes fundraisers closer to their target of £24,857 which would allow the hub to pay for the lease for the unit it uses at the Newland Shopping Centre.

Councillor Ron Ramage contacted other councillors after learning about the hub to ask if they would help by using grant money to give the hub a much needed boost.

The pledge page which is being used to donate cash to the cause closes on January 31.

Tina Townsend, the chair of the Witham Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are hopeful of getting there but we need community support. We want to say a massive thank you to the councillors who have supported us, we really want to keep the hub going.

“Since taking it over we have groups contacting us to use the space and we are delighted to already have five regular groups using the facilities with more enquiries being taken.

“It’s clearly a space the community wants and needs.”

Mr Ramage was given a tour of the facilities and met with the ladies of The Crafty Cafe, which uses the hub every Monday, before presenting the cheque.

The hub was left disappointed when it approached Braintree Council towards the end of last year to ask for help with funding but district councillors said they personally wanted to help.

Mr Ramage said: “From meeting the group it’s clear that the hub is needed and I’m delighted I could help facilitate this award.

“I wish the Chamber Team every success and hope they secure the rest of the funding they need for the project - they are doing a fantastic job in supporting the community.”

Belinda Bouttell, the hub manager, explained the hub’s importance.

She said: “I was at a very low ebb when I was asked whether I would like to help out.

“But I love volunteering at the hub, it has given me a purpose.”

Visit spacehive.com/save-our-community-hub.