Cash bid to boost Kingswinford Royal British Legion club

Members of the public have been busy collecting funds for the Kingswinford branch which was raided around two months ago.

A bid is being put into a council-run community forum to source more cash to pay towards new security measures at the club.

Ward councillor Dave Tyler has helped club treasurer Bob Townsend apply to the community forum covering Kingswinford and Wall Heath.

They have submitted a funding application for £5,975 which would be spent on new windows and doors at the building, in Summerhill.

Councillor Tyler, who is Dudley Council's armed forces champion, said: "It was a big shock for the community when the burglary happened.

"I think it affected a lot of people when they heard and they wanted to help out any way they could.

"The grant will help to replace the doors and windows at the club and make it more secure.

"I'm only too glad to help them as I think it is a good club and a worthwhile cause."

Earlier this week, the club held a fundraising charity walk to help bring in vital cash.

More than £3,000 had already been pledged in support for the club and the annual Poppy Appeal in the wake of the burglary in March.

A gang stole the one-ton safe holding £2,500 cash as well as taking £2,000 worth of alcohol from the club, a 42-inch TV along with charity money from a lottery and raffle.

They also caused around £5,000 worth of damage to the premises.

Mr Townsend said: "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have had."

CCTV systems have been installed at the building now free of changes by companies in the area.

Councillor Tyler said: "This club is at the heart of the community and we should do what we can to help."

Groups and organisations can bid for funding from the community forums in their ward areas.

Councillors sitting on the committees take the final decision on granting funding from a cash pot of £240,000.

A decision on the application will be taken at the meeting on June 23.