GROUPS in Rossendale are putting together an action plan to keep Haslingden Public Hall a community amenity following sell off proposals.

Community Action in Rossendale, a charity supporting voluntary organisations and groups, has vowed to help user groups in their efforts to rescue the public hall.

Its future looked bleak when Rossendale Council closed the venue earlier this year as part of £400,000 budget cuts.

The public hall was among a number of leisure facilities axed by the authority after it was named the worst council in the country following an Audit Commission report two years ago.

But Sharples Amateur Boxing Club, Haslingden Credit Union, Haslingden Estate Management Board, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Lancashire County Council youth workers and Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society, have joined forces, setting up a new community organisation to help run the public hall.

Jack Taylor, president of Sharples Amateur Boxing Club, said the club may be forced to close if isn't allowed to carry on using the premises -- leaving more than 40 youngsters without anywhere to train.

The club has been training at Haslingden Public Hall for more than 30 years -- helping to keep youngsters busy and off the streets.

Rossendale Council has now agreed to look at alternatives and is awaiting the outcome of the report complied by the user groups.

John McManus, chairman of Community Action in Rossendale, said: "We have said we are willing to assist a group partnership to form a viable management committee, raise funds and put in a proposal to the council.

"I have already written to the leader of the council and the chief executive asking them to look at other options."