Villagers are concerned about the future of a community hall after it was put up for sale.

Falconer Hall, in Falconer Road, Bushey, washas been used for many years by various community and childcare groups.

In early 2015 the Bushey Parochial Church Council (PCC), faced with severe financial restraints, decided last year it could no longer afford to run, maintain and repair Falconer Hthe hall at the expense of St James’s Church and the wider parish.

Now the hall, owned by St James’ Church in Bushey, is up for sale and many residents are hoping the building will stay the same.

Laura Allen, of Falconer Road, who is spearheading the campaign to keep the building as a community hall.

She said: “It is a positive community hall. It is used by many different groups including the scouts and a drama group.

“At least 95 per cent of the local community want to keep it for Bushey.”

The campaign to save the building as a community hall has been backed by a number of residents including Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden and the Bushey councillors.

Falconer Road resident Nicholas Zolin, 47, said: “I am concerned what the building will be.

"We have had no consultation from the people selling it. We should have had some notice about the selling.

“I understand it has to change to save money but I would like it to stay as a community hall.

“It is a happy hall, a big part of the area. It could be sold as anything to the person with the highest bidding.”

According to Mr Zolin, who has lived in the area for 15 years, the building is only going to be on the market for four weeks.

Another resident Roger Sparrowhawk, 77, of Grove Cottages, fears the site may be used for housing.

He said: “I am most concerned the building will be sold as a new development.

"There are still lots of ifs and buts. Falconer Road is one of the few roads in this area which is two-way.

“I have lived in this house for more than 20 years and the traffic is bad on this road.”

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden has given his backing to the campaign to save the community hall.

He said: "Falconer Hall is a unique building and I know how important it is to the local community.

"It has been the hub of community activity in Bushey for generations and I am keen to support the Bushey Village Community Hall fundraising campaign."

According to Bushey PCC it was estimated around £250,000 would be needed for maintenance and essential repairs.

The church said its income from lettings was only a few thousand pounds at the most and sometimes there was a deficit was experienced, the church said.

Rector of Bushey, Father Neil Kelley said the hall has been offered for sale for community use and not for development.

He said: “Falconer Hall was for many years used by the parish and various community and childcare groups.

“However, in recent times it has not been used by the church as there are other more appropriate and convenient facilities.

“We understand that those originally interested in forming a charity with the aim of purchasing the hall have not registered as a charity but this may change.

“There could also be other community groups who could bid. We welcome any such interest.”

To get involved in the campaign contact Mrs Allen on falconerhall.actiongroup@gmail.com

A petition has been launched by campaigners to turn Falconer Hall into a community asset.

To sign the petition visit here.