LYDNEY'S Town Council has made a desperate plea to the community to help them find a future for the historic Town Hall.

With a dominant position by the Cross at the top of the town, the flagship building has played a big part in the life of local folk ever since it was opened in 1889 towards the end of Queen Victoria's reign.

However, despite still hosting anything from major concerts to Santa's grotto, its ongoing maintenance and repair costs are increasing to the extent that revitalisation is desperate, the council says.

Among suggestions for its future is a plan to keep the façade and create flats, but Cllr David Cooksley, among others, disagrees.

"The Town Hall is a beautiful and iconic local building which is an important and integral part of Lydney's history," he said.

"It should be preserved as such, especially when considering its origins from the selfless, inspired charity of a few public-spirited local people, some of whose family descendants still reside with us today."

The building is currently run by the Lydney Town Hall Trust and Town Council members are its trustees. However, since it is dedicated for the use of the people of Lydney, the Trust has proposed that future management should be more community-driven,with a management committee involving more members of the general public.

The trustees say they would welcome ideas, views, comments and suggestions and particularly offers of help from individuals and organisations. They can be contacted at Lydney Town Council, Claremont House, High Street, Lydney GL15 5DX.