SUPPORTERS fighting to save historic Turton Tower from closure are launching a new campaign.

The future of the 15th century Tudor house hangs in the balance after Lancashire County Council served notice of its intent to withdraw £69,000 a year for the upkeep from April 2008, as part of cost-cutting.

But the Friends of Turton Tower are determined to keep the attraction open to the public and are urging people to give a couple of pounds each month towards the maintenance fund.

A section of the Turton Tower website has been devoted to saving the "local gem" through the A Little Bit Campaign', which will be officially launched in August.

People are also being encouraged to pay an annual fee to join the Friends group and businesses are invited to sponsor events.

Vanessa Haworth, from the group, said: "Given the funding crisis that we now face, the Friends have a huge role to play in connecting with local people, raising the profile of the tower, involving the local community with events like the recent planting day we held and also raising extra funds.

"These could potentially be used as match funding for any large funding applications that the Trustees may make.

"We feel that local people have a huge role to play in securing a future for this Grade 1 listed local gem. The more support we have locally the more weight there is behind the efforts to save the Tower.

"Increasing visitor numbers will really help. Not only does it increase the number of people accessing the Tower but it also great for local people to remind themselves of what a treasure this place really is.

"We are trying to have a presence at the Tower on key dates, such as Bank Holidays or during events, so that we can talk to more people and let them know about the situation the Tower is in. Lancashire County Council is continuing to run the Tower until April 2008 so we have two years to make a difference."

The recent planting day involved more than 100 plants donated and planted into colour-themed beds.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the new campaign can visit www.turtontower.org.uk or call the Tower on 01204 852203.