THE future of Nelson's Silverman Hall is hanging in the balance following the launch of a £1.5million sports centre scheme in the town.

The proposed centre, to be built in front of Pendle Wavelengths swimming pool if a bid for lottery cash is successful, will include a first floor civic banqueting suite for up to 250 people.

Pendle councillor Frank Clifford admitted the suite could mean the council-owned three-storey Silverman Hall, built in 1905 and re-named after Sydney Silverman MP, who represented Nelson and Colne from 1935 to his death in 1968, is no longer needed.

Coun Clifford, who was at the launch of the sports hall plans, said: "It's a Victorian building that's impractical for a lot of purposes.

"If we have this banqueting suite then quite clearly there may not be a need for Silverman Hall. It is an important building and an important part of the town's history and I wouldn't want to see it left empty. There may be grant aid available to develop it for other uses.

"It will be an issue that will need to be considered by the new leisure trust." It was suggested the new suite could be named after Mr Silverman.

The new centre would also feature the only squash courts in Pendle, a multi-purpose hall, badminton courts, a fitness centre, a creche and a lounge area.

The banqueting suite would have a separate entrance from the sports centre. Visitors to the complex would use the neighbouring Chapel Street car park.

A bid for lottery cash from Sport England will be submitted early next month with a decision expected next spring. Funding will also come from Pendle Council and the Single Regeneration Budget.

Council leader Azhar Ali said: "People have been crying out for a sports centre in Nelson. A lot of people haven't got transport of their own to go to the nearest centres in Colne and Burnley. This will be great news for them and particularly for young people in this area interested in sport."

If all goes according to plan the sports centre will open in 2002.