COMMUNITY groups in Rogerstone are hoping an emergency meeting will ensure a much-loved club can be saved from closure.

The Redwood Club has been at the Tregwilym Road site for 60 years but is now in desperate need of repair, with asbestos in the roof.

The owners of the building, the Royal British Legion say they are not in a position to foot the bill.

Now a meeting has been called by various groups who use the club including Rogerstone RFC and cricket club, to try and convince the legion that it is worth saving.

But the Legion say users may not know the extent of the damage and dilapidation, especially to the building's roof, which they say will cost in excess of £140,000.

Andrew Trinder, 38, secretary of Rogerstone Cricket Club said: "The Redwood club has been an integral part of the community for 60 years."

Mr Trinder said the Cricket Club had been based there for over 50 years and past players include footballer Danny Gabbidon and Sunday Times rugby writer Stephen Jones.

He said for the past few years the building has been run as a social club but remained a much valued community facility.

Bill Palmer, 68, Chairman of Rogerstone Royal British Legion Branch, said he would love to see the building survive, but doubted it was possible.

Surveyors were called in by Royal British Legion headquarters to assess the damage and estimated repairs costing up to £140,000, with £60,000 coming from asbestos removal alone.

"The last thing the Royal British Legion wants is for this branch to close. It would be to the detriment of the people of Rogerstone," Mr Palmer said.

"Who has got £140,000 before they consider the rent"

"If they can come forward with a constructive plan we will do all we can.

The meeting is set for 6pm tomorrow at the Redwood Club and all are invited to attend.