THE race is on to save part of an historic hall which is in danger of collapse.

An application for a grant for Bank Hall, Bretherton, is currently being considered by English Heritage.

But Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle is trying to speed up the cash to save the historic building's Prospect Tower which needs restoring urgently.

Labour MP Mr Hoyle said: "It is essential that we save and restore the tower at Bank Hall.

"The renovation of the mansion is extremely important and all efforts should be made to protect local heritage sites such as Bank Hall.

"The Bank Hall Action Group is aiming to raise £1.5 million to renovate the building, but in order to save the tower a grant is necessary.

"The grant is currently being given attention and I have written to English Heritage urging them to award a grant so that the necessary work can begin immediately."

He added: "The Prospect Tower is a well-known feature of Bank Hall and every effort is being made to save the tower by people in Bretherton and the Chorley area.

"It would be terrible if the tower did collapse and I hope that an early decision can be made in relation to the grant from English Heritage."