Cippenham's Royal British Legion Club has been saved from closure - after Slough Council leader James Swindlehurst read about its plight in the Observer.

The 75-year-old club in Brook Path faced closure when the ceiling collapsed necessitating £6,000 of emergency repairs, which was money the club had not got.

Cllr Swindlehurst is one of three councillors whose ward Cippenham Green covers the area where the club is based.

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He immediately contacted his Cippenham Green council colleagues Roger Davis and Nora Holledge.

They agreed that the money should be made available from their share of the council's community investment fund - the fund that enables each member to choose a personal project they want to support.

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Cllr Davis, 81, has been in hospital battling Covid but gave his wholehearted approval after a hour an hour phone conversation with Cllr Swindlehurst.

Cllr Swindlehurst said: "He is making good progress and is waiting to be moved to the rehabilitation centre at St Mark's Hospital in Maidenhead. He has lost five stone and had a pretty rough time but hopes to be home soon.

"He has supported the Royal British Legion Club for years. It is a major part of village life."

It is estimated that long term repair to the roof of the club will cost £80,000 to £100,000. But a fund raising campaign is well underway and the council contribution has ensured the club's immediate fiuture.

Club chairman Susan Ifill said: "The contractors are coming in Monday to start work. This has been a huge relief, a lifeline for us. We could not have wished for anything better."