PLANS to restore parts of Bolton Town hall to its former glory have been referred to the Secretary of State.

Council officers are proposing to create a one stop shop in the former rates hall and a call centre in adjacent corridor rooms of an area of the building extended in 1938.

The existing rates hall, which is currently hidden by partitions, is a barrel vaulted glazed area situated in an internal light way.

Changes will also be made to the Grade Two listed building's west entrance to improve access for visitors.

English Heritage are supporting the scheme but have raised concerns over the impact on the character of the entrance and have requested more information over proposals to remove one of the existing service counters.