RAWTENSTALL'S council chambers could be on the move again -- just two years after thousands of pounds were spent transferring them across town.

The Astoria leisure facility, axed as part of £400,000 budget cuts at the council, received a new lease of life when it was turned into an extension of the town hall.

But at a full meeting of Rossendale Council, Whitworth councillor Alan Neal said he would like to see the function transferred back to the town hall.

Coun Neal, an independent councillor who opposed the move in 2003, said: "Taking into account the plans being drawn up for the provision of a one-stop shop in the annexe of Rawtenstall Town Hall, and that we don't comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, and the fact we have a lift across the road, it would make sense to put members back in the old council chamber.

"It would make sense for us as members to be over in the old council chambers and to have all office staff in the Astoria."

The facility, in The Precinct off Bank Street, is used for meetings and training as the current town hall is considered too small.

The town hall was retained by the council as a base for officers to carry out their day-to-day work.

Coun Christine Lamb said: "People have been talking about moving back from the Astoria, but we have not heard anything official.

"There is more room in the Astoria, but it felt more official to hold meetings at the town hall.

It cost thousands of pounds to move to the Astoria, so I would hope that the decision is not taken lightly."

Council leader Duncan Ruddick said: "With a nod and a wink, without saying too much all I will say is watch this space."

A spokesman for the council added: "No official decision has been made. It will be discussed at some stage"