Crunch talks on future of town hall

Westhoughton borough councillors Arthur Price and Neil Maher at Westhoughton Town Hall

Westhoughton councillors are soon set to learn the fate of Westhoughton town hall’s future.

Local representatives have been asked to attend a special meeting to learn what plans Bolton Council has for the town hall under the new Labour administration.

Liberal Democrat councillors Arthur Price, Neil Maher and David Wilkinson will be attending.

The meeting is expected to take place later in August or in September.

Councillor Price has already won assurances that the windows of the building will no longer be modified, which will come as a relief to those who were worried about the previous Conservative administrations plans to alter the historic facade.

It comes as Liberal Democrat town councillors have fully supported proposals to give listed status to Westhoughton Town Hall and Library.

Historic England were asked to make a recommendation to the Government after carrying out an inspection of the buildings on 20 June.

The organisation is set to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State about the potential for the buildings to be listed as being of special architectural or historic interest.

At a meeting of the town council on Monday night, town councillors threw their weight behind Historic England’s proposals.

Councillor David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton South ward, said: “This is a great report from Historic England which really highlights the importance of these buildings. We all know what fantastic buildings they are but this report confirms that with technical details from the experts.”

The Historic England report says that the Town Hall and Library are architecturally significant examples of Mannerist Renaissance style. The Town Hall's clock tower, entrance bay, and the Library's central entrance pediment are noteworthy design elements. The buildings have played roles in the local community, with the Town Hall serving as council offices and the Library being a significant example of a Carnegie library. The report emphasises their historical and architectural importance within Westhoughton's heritage.

Councillor Price said: “This report has come at a critical time and will come as a huge relief to Westhoughton residents because it clearly shows the architectural and cultural importance of both the town hall and library. People were very worried about the previous Conservative administration’s plans to alter the windows - it really was a case of corporate cultural vandalism which almost went under the radar until we told the public what they wanted to do. I pressed the council on this matter and I’m pleased that we’ve now resolved that this won’t happen.”