A COUNCILLOR says preserving the future of the historic Earlestown Town Hall is "vital".

St Helens Council is in the process of working to secure the long-term future of the building that has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Clr Suzanne Knight, Newton ward councillor, said: "When the Liberal Democrats took control of the council in May 2006, it was obvious the future of the Town Hall was in doubt because the only remaining full-time users of the facility, Helena Housing, was proposing to leave the building and there were no plans in place for its future."

She added: "We feel it is vital to preserve the Town Hall because of its history and for the residents of Newton.

"In the past months we have instructed officers to investigate proposals that would ensure its long-term future.

"One proposal being considered is to work with the PCT to remodel the inside of the building for use as a medical centre, which will include the provision of community facilities."

Newton Amateur Dramatics and Operatics Society (NADOS), which has been performing at the hall for more than 30 years, has expressed its disappointment about having to leave the Town Hall.

Clr Knight told this month's ward meeting: "We are going to see Newton High, they said they would allow NADOS into their hall for use."

Adam Wilkinson, secretary of SAVE, said: "The Town Hall is an important local building that provides the town with a focus and a sense of place that would otherwise be lacking. It is a cheerful mismatch of architectural styles, which is wholly successful as a composition.

"It is the sort of building that could easily be reused for a variety of uses."

A study has been completed for the building and the scheme is now being moved to the next stage, which involves detailed surveys of the site and building.

A costed scheme will be produced following the completion of the surveys.