THE revamp of Thornton Lecture Hall is one step closer to completion as the council prepares to unveil the much-anticipated new plans within the next few weeks.

The sketches will be on display in Thornton Lecture Hall itself, and members of the public are being invited to view them and give their opinion.

Architects have been busy developing the ambitious scheme following the council's decision to revamp and extend community facilities at the hall late last year.

It was found that it needed a major overhaul if it was to continue as a community facility, and plans were drawn up to extend its use and attract new users.

The revamp involves fully refurbishing the existing hall, with an extension to provide a new range of facilities including three fully-equipped meeting rooms of varying sizes to cater for the needs of different groups, a common reception area, public toilets, disabled access, a tea bar and kitchen and box office facilities.

Sandra Holden, of Sandra Holden's School of Dancing, Holly Road, Thornton, who presents her annual pantomime and dance performances at the hall, is elated at the news.

"I am very pleased that the plans are near completion," she said. "This year was our 37th year of performing in the hall. The stage is lovely but it will be so much better when there are adequate dressing room facilities.

"At present the girls are constantly running in and out of portable cabins to change their costumes, which isn't ideal. It will be far easier for them when the expansions are put in place."

Councillor Alan Vincent, who takes over as leader of Wyre Borough Council in May, is also delighted.

"The plans are progressing well and we hope as many people as possible will grab the opportunity to see and comment upon the plans when they go on public display," he said.

"This is an exciting time for one of the main focal points in Thornton. We are committed to boosting community facilities in the area and the development of the plans to revamp the hall are a big step in that direction."