THE Parr Hall will continue to be bankrolled by Warrington Borough Council, but money will not be spent on substantial development plans.

That is the recommendation due to be given to the council's executive board when it meets on Monday night.

Councillors have been investigating the future of the historic venue since the summer of 2002 and now a decision is expected.

The inquiry, organised by the council's scrutiny committee, has found that the Parr Hall is leaking £416,000 a year - which contradicts previous claims that the figure topped £800,000.

Executive members are likely to rule that they would continue to fund the theatre, comedy and music venue and pay for any repairs and updates that are needed in the future.

But they are likely to turn down a request to develop the Parr Hall in a multi-purpose venue.

The review has been shrouded in controversy with Liberal Democrat councillors saying the resolution was too reactive and that a bigger feature should be made of such an important town centre institution.

Councillors will also discuss the car parking at the Palmyra Square venue.

Currently there is little space around and council officials are to approach managers at Golden Square to see if parking should be shared in the future.