DISCUSSIONS over the future of Colne's dilapidated Shackleton Hall have begun after it was revealed that at least £100,000 of urgent repairs are needed.

A structural survey by architects and surveyors Bennett and Brown of Nelson found that although the building was essentially sound, there was a major problem of water leaking from the roof which had seriously affected the inside.

This led to problems of dry rot which, in turn, were beginning to affect the structural integrity of the floor joists and roof trusses of the building.

The company advised that action needed to be taken quickly to prevent the damage spreading and becoming a major structural problem.

David Morris, conservation officer for Pendle Council, said: "Shackleton Hall is a large listed building in a prominent location in Colne town centre and the Albert Road Conservation Area.

"The condition of the building, particularly the vacant rear and upper parts, is poor with little action from the owner to remedy the situation. Nevertheless, Shackleton Hall has potential to regenerate this part of the town centre because of its prominent location, architectural qualities and relatively large floor area.

"The council should therefore actively seek the repair and use of the building."

The Shackleton Hall Working Group met on March 31 to consider the problems of the building and its potential for reuse and development. They agreed to set up a meeting with the part owner and some tenants and a further meeting with English Heritage to discuss possible grant support.

It may lead to the council taking statutory action if the urgent problems cannot be resolved through agreement with the relevant parties.

To make the building safe to the public, building control notices could be served by the council enabling it to carry out the necessary works and reclaim the cost or place a charge on the building.

The council could serve an urgent works notice to prevent the listed building deteriorating further. If the owners fail to do the work, the council can again do it itself and reclaim the money.

It could also serve a repairs notice on the owners requiring the full repair of the building. If this is not carried out the council could compulsory purchase the property.