Drunken revellers who abused staff and caused widespread damage have led to private bookings being banned at the Town Hall’s Lancastrian Suite.

Chorley Council has said it will no longer take bookings for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and other similar events at the venue after a minority of partygoers caused havoc.

In several incidents, guests verbally abused staff, damaged furniture and toilets and repeatedly set off fire alarms, leading council chiefs to pull the plug on future private events at the 400 capacity showpiece venue.

The Lancastrian, which was refurbished in 2005, along with other improvements to the Town Hall, will still host a wide range of events including concerts, conferences, children's activities, awards ceremonies, public meetings and civic celebrations.

Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, leader of Chorley Council, said the authority no longer accepted bookings for private parties and other similar events.

He added: "We took the decision to stop taking certain types of private bookings due to a number of health and safety reasons and the sad fact that the excellent facilities were being trashed by numerous people, often under the influence of drink.

“The Lancastrian Suite remains a fantastic town centre venue for events such as concerts, conferences and public meetings and we welcome bookings from organisations, community groups and members of the public throughout the year."

A council spokesman confirmed the decision had been made to not accept bookings for parties where a lot of alcohol could be involved and that staff had been verbally abused on several occasions.

In its publicity material the council offers to set the room out in a variety of ways to suit the needs of each event.

The ornate, high ceilinged room has disabled access, a large stage and licensed bar and can be booked for £200 for a four-hour weekday morning session rising to £550 for a Saturday evening reception.

The hall has been used for dozens of wedding receptions and other celebrations due to its reasonable pricing and central location.

Northern Link, a singles club for over-35s, holds modern and ballroom dance functions at the Lancastrian every other month.

The club will not be affected by the changes and all their events have passed without incident.

Karen Seddon, owner of Northern Link and organiser of the dances, said she was disappointed that more people would not able to enjoy the facilities.

She said: “The venue is magnificent and I have nothing but praise for the way things are organised there.

“It’s such a fantastic room and perfect for events such as a wedding reception.

"It’s just a pity that the stupid actions of a minority are spoiling things for people who would like to hold a party there.”