PLANS are in the making that could see the first step in the refurbishment of a popular historic building get underway.

A planning application has been put in for major refurbishment work to both the Lister Social Club and Lister Hall, now collectively known as the Chantry Centre, in Dursley.

The historic building is in desperate need of renovation and was at the centre of a campaign by the Gazette last year in which over 700 people backed calls to save the Lister Hall from closure.

In response a group of local representatives got together with trustees of the Lister Social Club to form an action group.

This week the group, which is now a registered charity, submitted an application to Stroud District Council for refurbishment of the hall including a new roof and a foyer extension to create a more welcoming entrance.

Geoff Wheeler, a trustee of the charity, said: "We are working on plans to completely refurbish the hall - with new lighting, new toilets and changing rooms.

"We hope then to create a new welcoming foyer for the hall and to be able to expand the activities that take place on the site - to make it more economically viable.

"Long term we could be looking at showing films as well as continuing to host the events for which the Lister Hall has always been well known and loved."

Another trustee of the Chantry Centre, Barry Walker, has been working hard putting together new designs for the building which will include some changes to the south side of the building, a new front entrance and removal of some small buildings, which will create access to a parking area.

The money to start the work will come from cash provided by the developer of the Littlecombe development and the committee is hoping this will be released shortly.

The Chantry Centre will, however need to raise more money in the long term, and the committee will be looking at doing local fundraising.

The trustees are also looking for more people to get involved in helping run the charity.

Mr Wheeler added: "We’d welcome support with the work of getting a business plan, applying for funding for a phased refurbishment of the whole site and with fundraising.

"We now have a bank account so would welcome donations from supportive residents," he added.

Current activities at the Chantry Centre, such as the bar and skittles, will continue as usual.

Plans for the building can be seen on Stroud District Council’s website, at Dursley Town Council offices or in the Vale Vision shop window in Long Street.