Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 01 May 2008

MARYPORT Civic Hall will close on June 30, if Allerdale councillors agree.

A report to the council’s ruling executive has recommended that the hall be declared surplus to requirements and arrangements made for it to be disposed of.

One full-time member of staff will lose their job.

The report said continuous use of the hall has had an impact on it and it is now a ‘tired’ building in need of considerable repair.

It is expected that many activities taking place at the 72-year-old building will transfer to the new visitor centre on Irish Street, The Wave, formerly Destination Maryport, which is earmarked to open in June.

However, the hall’s larger events, like productions put on by the town’s amateur dramatics society, will be held at Netherhall School.

The report added: “Any other groups that cannot be accommodated at The Wave will be helped to find space at other venues.”

The council wants to set a closure date for the Lower Church Street building so arrangements can be made to wind down its operation and plan a series of events to celebrate the hall’s history.