A PLANNING application has been made to make essential repairs to the roof of a listed building in Tottington.

Rain water has been found on the floor of the former National School, built in 1835, which forms part of the parish hall of St Anne’s Church.

The building is Grade II listed and was built following the decision of the Government of the day and vote in Parliament in August 1833, to provide money for the establishment of schools for poor children, which was taken up by the National Society, a church based society

promoting religious and other schooling.

An adjoining building built in 1887 was an extension to the school which closed in 1950.

A supporting statement from the Parochial Church Council, Parish of St Anne, said: "The property as a whole is used not just as a Parish Hall for purposes related to the church but also very actively for general community uses throughout the week, being available for hire, including regular baby and toddler classes, keep fit and yoga classes, social events, birthday parties, etc.

"Ensuring the property as a whole is well maintained and kept in good repair and available for continual use is, consequently, of considerable importance to the local community as a whole and the continuity of the businesses which hire the various rooms for their activities, as well as church related activities and social events."

Th e proposed work would see the removal of the roof slates and existing batons on the roof spars, fixing of new underlay material and replacement of the batons and the replacement of rotted batons and broken slates.