Westhoughton Town Hall refurbishment needs to be 'scrutinised'

The refurbishment was up for approval by the cabinet member for regeneration  Cllr Adele Warren on Monday, but it was called in by the leader of the Liberal Democrats Roger Hayes instead.

This means the plan needs to be considered by a Scrutiny Committee before it is allowed to progress, a process which will add a number of weeks to what will be a tight timetable already.

Cllr Warren said the scheme for the building is at risk as a result, as costs are going up all the time.

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Cllr Warren said: "Unfortunately, it was called in by Cllr Hayes.

"He said it was because the members of the [Westhoughton Town Centre Steering Group] weren't in agreement. But I was at the steering group and no one said they weren't in agreement.

"It's frustrating because there's been a lot of discussion with different groups and different individuals to try to do what's right for this building so that it's protected for future generations.

"Obviously, the delay means it could not happen, as a worst case scenario, because costs are going up."

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Included in the proposal is a combination of commercial and office space at ground level, as well as workspaces on the first floor and second floor. There is also restoration work to the council chamber, although the library and Carnegie Hall are unaffected.

Cllr Hayes said there is a risk of the proposal 'ruining the town hall'.

Cllr Hayes said: "There's a feeling that the plan is ruining the town hall and it's not supported by people in Westhoughton.

"I know the Conservative Group would like to get it through before the elections, so that it's out of the way, but we'll see."

At the end of last year, the council started to assess interest in a spot in a town hall among organisations at a local level. There is an intention to assess interest at a national level too.

Those interested at the moment number 10, and include a cafe, a cinema, a gym and Greater Manchester Police. These are still under consideration apart from the gym, whose occupancy is considered unlikely.