IT would be a very sad day for Bolton if the Victoria Hall on Knowsley Street in the town centre had to close its doors.

Yet the building is in desperate need of work. While public appeals so far have helped raise some money to pay day-to-day costs, a large amount is needed to bring the building up to scratch.

It is undoubtedly a handsome hall with unparalleled acoustics locally and is a popular venue for many organisations’ events. We need to support its fundraising activities – and keep our fingers firmly crossed that a Heritage Lottery Fund application is successful.