CONSULTANTS are set to start work on ways to make Turton Tower more profitable in a bid to save the historic building.

A feasibility study was kicked off in September but it has been decided specialists are now needed to work on the necessary changes to the building and its services.

The future of the 15th century Tudor house is uncertain after Lancashire County Council threatened to cut vital funding.

Maintenance, staffing and upkeep of the former family home, built around 1420, is financed mainly through a £69,000 grant from the county's adult and community services budget.

But as part of economies, which could also see five East Lancashire libraries shut, the county announced funding would be stopped by April 2008.

The results from the consultant's feasibility study, which will be started in the next few weeks, are expected to be released before April.

Supporters of the Grade I listed building including North Turton Parish Council and The Friends of Turton Tower are running a campaign to save it.

The public is being encouraged to pay an annual fee to join the Friends group and businesses are invited to sponsor events.

Anyone wishing to get involved can visit www.turtontower.org.uk or call the tower on 01204 852203.