ONE of Bolton's most historic venues could face closure in less than three years if money for its upkeep cannot be found.

Victoria Hall has been at the heart of town life for more than a century but costs £200,000 a year to run.

Not only is it home to the Bolton Methodist Mission, but it hosts musical concerts and provides a base for projects which support vulnerable people living in the community.

In 2014 groups who rely on the 1,300 seater venue united to help raise funds for the upkeep of the Knowsley Street building, but two years on it is still surviving on a week by week basis.

David Tomlinson, an active member of the hall, believes support from the community is vital if the venue is to survive past 2019.

He said: "We are eroding our resources all the time when we have enormous repair bills and electricity bills which need to be looked at.

"If it keeps going like it is we might not be around in two to three years time. It has been like that for some time, it is not a profit-making building but we want to balance the books. It is hard work.

"It is just tough because of all the cuts to local authorities and there is a lot of competition for money from bodies like the Heritage Lottery fund.

"We are continuing to hold events but what we need is more support."

The Grade II listed building was built in 1901 by Bradshaw and Gass of Bolton in the style of a music hall or theatre, with a stage at and horseshoe balcony.

It played host to concerts on a Saturday night and the rooms underneath were used as classrooms to teach adult literacy.

Today around 40 concerts a year are held at the hall which still manages to draw big audiences.

Groups including Bolton Choral Union, The Brixi Singers, Ladybridge Singers, Smithills Band, Bolton Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Hall ADS and the Bolton Music Service have called it home over the years.

As well as music and drama, it runs a destitution and counselling project with the help of the Red Cross.

On September 17 and 18 it opened for a heritage weekend and hosted its first Music Hall variety event night to help raise funds towards the costs.

Mr Tomlinson added: "The heritage weekend was really successful, we had over 500 people visit during the day and 200 on the night and a lot hadn't been before. We raised £1,500 over the weekend.

"There is a lot riding on the hall with groups looking to us while other venues like the Albert Hall are closed. It's difficult, but we've got to make inroads as well as continuing to serve the community as a Christian organisation as well as a music venue. It is very, very hard work."

In order to raise funds the hall will be hosting regular concerts as well as plans in the new year for a season of lunchtime concerts.

To find out more visit www.boltonmethodistmission.org.uk.