ADULT learners bemoaned the "end of an era" as passionate late pleas to remain in Bury Arts and Crafts Centre were turned down.

Councillors agreed to turn the historic Broad Street centre into a top regimental museum for the Lancashire Fusiliers.

They hope that the museum, chronicling the 315-year history of the Fusiliers, will become a major tourist attraction once it moves from its current home at Wellington Barracks in Bolton Road.

But it means that 1,500 art students will be moved out into the former Halifax building in the Haymarket. Councillors say they cannot afford the £1.4 million bill for repairs and creating disabled access, whereas the Fusiliers' plans can get money from the Lottery and English Heritage.

Mrs Mary Edyvean, of the Arts and Crafts management committee, led the protests at Wednesday's (July 9) executive meeting.

"I first went in there when I was 14 and have been there ever since. This is about the future, the youngsters coming up. Where will they go? It's very sad what you are doing to the history and heritage of this borough."

Councillor Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "This way, the building will remain in public use and, most important, adult education in Bury will be provided with an enhanced service.

Mr Norman Hoyle asked for the decision to be deferred, while the public was consulted.

And Tory councillor Roy Walker suggested that the question of disabled access was a red herring. "I have lived through this for the last 17 years, and it's not about putting in a lift. It's a sad culmination of a concerted attack on the arts and crafts centre since 1986. There should not need to be a choice between the two: the borough deserves both."

However, Labour councillor Mike Connolly said: "It's not about the building, but the talent that's in there. Where better to put the Fusiliers, in a distinguished building which they have the funds to modernise? We can have a top class national museum and modern facilities for adult education."

The artists were given one grain of comfort. In approving the plans, councillors agreed to talk to the Fusiliers about allowing them to lease the top floor for art classes. The creative industries workshops in the basement will also remain.