A THORNTON landmark threatened with closure is to enjoy a new lease of life.

Thornton Lecture Hall, Four Lane Ends,is to be extended following a Wyre Borough Council decision to press ahead with refurbishment.

Doubts hung over the future of the venue following a report to councillors in February saying the building would need £140,000-worth of repairs over the coming years.

Members of the council's countryside, leisure and cultural services committee were also told in February that the venue could only offer customers "limited levels of service".

But at a meeting of the same committee last Wednesday (September 26), councillors decided to refurbish the building after considering the views of local residents, groups who used the venue, and the findings of a feasibility study.

Out of six options -- including one to demolish the building and re-use the site -- the council adopted the favoured option to refurbish the building and add on a modern, single storey extension of about the same size.

Committee chairman Councillor Sally Preston said: "Clearly the public felt quite strongly about keeping the hall and enhancing the facilities on offer. We are committed to improving community facilities in Thornton and ensuring the Lecture Hall not only remains a focal point for the community but that its use is extended."

Council leader and committee member Councillor Pat Catlow said: "The provision of community facilities are high on the council's agenda. We have to make sure that the facilities provided are the ones that people want and will use."

Prior to last week's meeting, the council commissioned a consultation exercise during which questionnaires were sent to a sample 1,000 residents in the area, and focus groups were organised to collect the views of users and residents.

Coun Catlow said: "The consultation exercise found clear and strong support for the continuation of community facilities in Thornton. People also wanted to see more modern facilities -- and that's exactly what we aim to provide."