WEDDINGS could be performed alongside council business in Colne town hall with the announcement of plans for a major refurbishment.

Coun Tony Greaves described the town hall as a "jewel of Victorian public architecture" but said it had the image of a dusty municipal office.

Now Pendle's Liberal administration intends to make the building a "palace for the people" creating a council shop to provide information on services and facilities.

It also wants to refurbish the council chamber and mayor's parlour for use for weddings.

Coun Greaves, chairman of the Colne and District committee and the council shop working group said: "The real challenge is to provide the people of Colne with a modern council shop type service with modern facilities and modern technology - and at the same time return as much as possible of the inside of the building to its former Victorian glory."

The council is hoping to secure substantial funding from English Heritage.

Coun Greaves said: "The heritage work depends on getting this grant, but meanwhile we are pressing ahead with providing better facilities for local people.

"The present public reception facilities at the town hall leave a great deal to be desired. The facility for the recent condolence book for Diana, Princess of Wales, clearly showed this."

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