FRIENDS of Ramsbottom Civil Hall are calling for residents to take part in a survey which they believe will determine its future.

And members of the group are outraged at the short time period of just two weeks given by the council to complete the survey.

The survey, which is being conducted by Bury Council, will help determine the future of the building.

The civic hall, which was built as a Conservative club and opened in 1895, is in desperate need of refurbishment.

Linda de Ruijter from The Friends of Ramsbottom Civic Hall said: "The friends feel that the time given to complete the survey is far too short.

"Also, the forms can only be accessed and completed online or by requesting a form by telephone, then reliant on the post to be on time and the questions on the survey are too restrictive."

The group, who organised an event on February 3 to show how the hall is used, will now be using the event topromote the hall as a venue and also as an opportunity for residents to come in and complete a survey form.

This comes after Bury Council leader Bob Bibby revealed that he was donating £312,000 from the sale of an office building for the upkeep of the civic hall.

The council would then like to give the hall to a voluntary group rather than continue to run it once the cash has been spent.

To complete a form visit www.bury.gov.uk/buryvenues/survey or for a paper copy phone 0161 253 5903. The closing date is Febuary 10.