QUESTIONS have been raised over the £1million plus cost of repairing a 132-year-old East Lancashire Town hall.

Several angry Burnley residents have contacted the Lancashire Telegraph over the spending on the municipal showpiece on Manchester Road.

They have accused the borough council of neglecting the Grade II-listed renaissance-style building dating from 1888.

Their concerns have been echoed by Cllr Alan Hosker, leader of the council Conservative group.

One resident David Green said: "The building has been left to rot over the years, causing this expensive renovation.

"Why was this allowed and why spend £1m during a pandemic and how can the council justify this when they slam up the council tax.

"The money could have been saved with a decent buildings policy.

"The council could work in smaller premises and save the taxpayer a fortune."

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Gordon Birtwistle said: "What has happened in the last 30 years is that the council has made do and mended with the town hall."

"There comes a time when with a building this old you to have to stop patching it up and bite the bullet and do it properly."

Cllr Hosker said: "I personally don't think the council should be spending this amount of money on the town hall. It could have been better used elsewhere."

Burnley Council's Labour leader Cllr Mark Townsend said: "The town hall is an fine, iconic building in the centre of Burnley which has to be saved for future generations."

A Burnley Council spokesman said: "The repair and renovation of Burnley Town Hall, a Grade II listed building, is part of our capital programme to protect a local heritage landmark.

"The town hall has remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, serving the local community."