SALVATION Army workers are marching into battle to save a hall in Tyldesley.

London-based leaders want the 112-year-old Tyldesley corps to amalgamate with Atherton.

This would mean funds can be devoted to helping the needy rather than repairing the hall in Lime Street.

But shocked members of the Tyldesley corps have vowed to fight to keep their home and want to raise money for necessary repairs.

Regional chiefs, including Divisional Commander Major Chick Yuill, met with more than 60 people to gave their reasons behind the plan to close the hall in March.

Corps member Jean Colloby said: "There has been a Salvation Army in Tyldesley for more than 112 years and it will be very sad if this all comes to an end.

"I wonder if the powers that be realise the upset and dismay they have caused.

"Two members have transferred elsewhere and it will be interesting to see how many will transfer, and to where, in the future.

"The main reasons given were financial, reduction in numbers and because the hall needs renovating and is not on a main thoroughfare.

"Atherton's hall is newer but I would question whether it is in a more prominent position than the one in Tyldesley.

"There are two dangerous roads to cross and also the question of expenses incurred.

"It is impossible to get to Atherton on Sunday without your own transport as buses don't run until it is too late for the service."

Major Yuill said £30,000 was needed to bring facilities in Tyldesley up to scratch and a replacement building would cost a quarter-of-a-million pounds.

He said: "We have two close communities within a mile of each other and our Atherton premises were built in 1994.

"We are not in the business of diminishing the work of the Salvation Army, but our programme is about caring for people. Buildings can drag us down.

"The Salvation Army exists for the benefit of non-members. Our business is caring for people."

Further meetings are being planned to discuss the situation.