CAMPAIGNERS are urging housing developers to fulfil a promise to restore a dilapidated old hall.

Historic Buckshaw Hall, has been described by the Department of the Environment as "probably the finest of its type in the County of Lancashire".

Situated at the former Royal Ordnance Factory site, Euxton, it is in poor condition and swathed in plastic.

Members of the Chorley Civic Society are concerned that if action is not taken to restore the Grade II Listed building its decline will become irreversible.

A clause for the restoration of Buckshaw Hall was imposed on the developing consortium Redrow/Barratt when they were granted permission to develop the site by Chorley and South Ribble councils.

Developers have said surveys are currently being carried out to see how much work is needed on the hall.

Buckshaw Hall which dates back to the early 17th century, was built as a residence for a wealthy landowner, but has been abandoned for more than 30 years.

Hazel Yates, honorary secretary of Chorley Civic Society, said: "We would like it to be restored as it is part of the local heritage.

"It could be used as prestigious offices or as a public house with great character. We are worried that if the condition imposed on developers comes into force towards the end of the development period it may well be too late."

When complete 6,000 homes will be built at Buckshaw Village. Work is due to start in January and could last for ten years.

A spokesperson for the developers said: "An initial analysis has already been made of Buckshaw Hall and the other listed building in the site Worden Hall.

"We will now conduct a more detailed, measured survey to determine the work needed to make the two buildings structurally fit for new use. A repair schedule will then be drawn up, with a view to beginning work in summer 2003.

"In the meantime we will be carrying out work to make the buildings safe and to protect them from further deterioration. This work is due to begin shortly."

He added that the properties are on land yet to be released by BAE SYSTEMS and part of the later phases of the planned development.

However Alan Croston, head of planning at Chorley council, said: "The restoration should be one of the early things that happen in the development. Chorley Borough Council has been asking for this for several years."