VETERANS need £25,000 to repair their hall and mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Calls are being made for Basildon Council to fund the work, by deputy leader and independent councillor Kerry Smith.

He wants extra support for the Basildon and Laindon Branch of the Royal British Legion, The Triangle, Langdon Hills.

A motion to the council by Mr Smith states: “The council notes that following the sad closure of the Pitsea Royal British Legion Branch, there is now only one branch remaining within the boundaries of the new town at Langdon Hills.

“The hall needs to have its lease renewed and internal improvement works so that it can go forward planning for the annual Poppy Day Appeal on in the area and supporting veterans and their families all year round with its regular social functions.

“With it being the 75th Anniversary of VE Day this year, the council seeks to fully support the remaining Royal British Legion Branch in Basildon by taking the following actions:

“Progress the renewal of the lease of the hall at the Triangle to the existing Royal British Legion Branch as soon as possible, and prior to VE Day commemorations.

“That the council will allocate £25,000 from the member investment budget held by the housing and communities committee for refurbishment of the hall, and council would like to thank the hard working committee of this branch of the Royal British Legion for their outstanding efforts to support the veterans of Basildon.”

The council will consider the plans at a meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Jan 16.

Gina Blackford, 60, treasurer of the club said: “This support will mean absolutely everything to us.

“We don’t get funding from the British Legion so we are self supporting.

“The hall does need a lot of work and we want to hold a big function for the the 75th Anniversary of VE Day this May.

“We’ve got issues with damp and the kitchen needs a lot of work too.

“The council’s £25,000 will go a long way to help our kitchen and upkeep of the hall.” A decision will be made Friday.