MUSIC lovers across East Lancashire could soon be mourning the end of an era after councillors announced they could close Rawtenstall's Astoria Ballroom.

Rossendale Council is considering closing the venue for good instead of forking out £40,000 for a desperately needed new heating system plus thousands more for a re-vamp of the run-down hall.

The council's plans to regenerate Ilex Mill could include a whole new ballroom that would make the Astoria out of date within a few years.

The Astoria already has functions booked for the rest of the year but they will have to be cancelled if the hall closes. But councillors are in a race against time to make their final decision as if the Astoria remains open, the new heating system has to be installed before the winter chill sets in.

Councillors discussed the ballroom's future at last night's meeting of the council's lesiure and recreation committee.

Coun Jimmy Eaton said: "It is going to cost a lot of money to put things right as it is in a sorry state.

Coun Lawrence Forshaw, chairman of the committee, said: "We may be moving into Ilex Mill where there could be a new hall, so is it worth spending £40,000 on the Astoria?

"The cost to Rossendale of the Astoria is a lot over the year, and it is only used for dancing and the occassional charity function, so is it worthwhile spending £40,000 on it?"

Councillors agreed that the final decision about the Astoria's future is so important it would have to be made at a meeting of the full council.

The New Astoria opened in October 1968 after the demolition of the original Astoria on the other side of Bank Street.

In its heyday it attracted hundreds of revellers every week but now is considered to be a "white elephant" that costs a lot to run for the few people who use it.

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