THE future of Turton Tower has been thrown into doubt after Lancashire County Council threatened to axe vital funding.

Maintenance, staffing and upkeep of the former family home, built around 1420, is funded mainly through a £69,000 grant from the county's adult and community services budget.

But as part of economies, which also involve plans to close five East Lancashire district libraries, County Coun Chris Cheetham has recommended that funding be stopped.

It was one of several options to save money in the 2006/2007 budget.

Supporters of the Grade I listed building have said they are "very worried" about the future of the Tower if the cash is withdrawn.

North Turton with Tockholes councillor Jean Rigby said: "This would be very bad news if it was approved and I am very worried about the future.

"We have been down this route before many years ago when Blackburn with Darwen was looking to withdraw funding and the county stepped in at the last minute to save it. The borough still gives around £16,000 but it is not sufficient. Staffing could be done by volunteers but it is the running costs that's the problem."

Beryl Wolfenden, chairman of the Friends of Turton Tower, said: "We are keeping our fingers crossed that there may be another option."

The county council currently has a lease on the building, which is owned by the parish council and used for school educational visits. A two-year notice agreement would have to be given to the Trustees of Turton Tower before the lease could be cancelled.

Coun Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "This year's budget will be particularly difficult and cabinet members have been asked to find significant savings to limit any increase in council tax."