A BOROUGH'S residents have been asked for their ideas on the future use of a historic building after it ceases to be a swimming pool.

Hyndburn Council is launching two online surveys on Thursday about its planned 'transformational' shake-up of leisure facilities in the borough.

One is about the future of of Mercer Hall in Great Harwood and the second on its plans to build a multi-million pound new sports and leisure centre on Wilson's Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors.

The schemes are part of a £10million upgrade of buildings run by Hyndburn Leisure Trust including a £4m refurbishment of the borough's main centre in Church.

Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “We need to save Mercer Hall, a prominent and historic building in Great Harwood that is a focal point for our community. Repurposing it is the only option as keeping a swimming pool would see destruction of the building beyond repair. The pool currently loses 254,000 litres of water every three months and structural reports show movement of the building is also now taking place.

"We have been reviewing our current leisure facilities for more than two years and it is essential we take a strategic approach, always thinking ahead to the future. With the existing buildings over 40 years old and in need of repair, doing nothing is not an option.”

Lyndsey Sims, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure Trust, said: “The cost to maintain and run the facilities as they currently stand requires a significant investment over the coming years.

"Incorporating green energy solutions and ensuring that facilities are accessible are key to the investment plans.”