MORE support is being urged for a forgotten Chorley hall whose future could hinge on the results of a study shortly to be announced.

Listed Bank Hall in Bretherton is currently in a state of ruin though campaigners hope it can be partially or even fully restored.

The Bank Hall Action Group, set up in July last year, is appealing for increased backing when it holds its annual meeting next Wednesday (April 24) and has invited supporters to turn up at the De Trafford Arms, Croston, for 8pm.

Group press officer Gordon Johnson said: "The feasibility study is to cover whether the hall can be saved, whether we can go for funds and also what the council will allow for it.

"The study is being co-ordinated by Lancashire Heritage and we should have the results by the end of the month. At the moment we don't know until the feasibility study is done."

It is hoped the meeting will be attended by representatives from Chorley Borough Council, Lancashire Heritage and the agents for the owners Acland and Bracewell.

Mr Johnson said it is believed Bank Hall, a grade two, two star listed building, is owned by the Lilford family though there is some dispute over this.

He added: "We want ideas for fund raising and to keep the group going and find out what people want the hall turned into.

"We have had a major international organisation interested. They want to see what the feasibility study comes back with and the needs of the area."

Bank Hall was built in the 17th century and is believed to date back to an earlier period in the 1200s.

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