A DANCE hall which brought couples together throughout the twentieth century looks set to be demolished.

Princess Hall was, for many years, a real staple in the lives of the area’s youth, with many young men and women meeting their future husbands and wives there.

The news that it is earmarked for demolition and the construction of new retail units, flats and town houses, has therefore been met with shock and anger.

Billy Miskelly, Allerdale Borough councillor for Workington, said: “Too little notice is being taken of the thoughts of people in this town is being made. Our heritage is being lost.

"There’s no consideration for the thoughts of the residents. I feel we are losing the proper face of Workington due to these changes.

"We should be keeping tradition as best as we can.”

Phyllis Scott, 77, from Seaton, also expressed her sadness of the potential loss of a building that holds many memories.

“It will be a great loss to see that building go,” she admitted. “I met my husband there, so did lots of others. I have fond memories from there.

"It will be a big miss.”

In a petition addressed to the council, neighbours stated concerns regarding the demand for retail units. It states: “We are currently very well served. The town centre is also within five to 10 minutes' walk.”

It adds that amenities such as a post office, butcher and grocery stores are all all “within five to seven minutes' walking distance” and suggested that the existence of several empty retail outlets in the town centre already would indicate that “more of this type of unit is not needed”.

Allerdale councillor Will Wilkinson said that with the level of objections from residents, he deemed it necessary to be discussed by the development panel.”

The plans have been submitted by the Redcare Investments and would see the vacant building demolished to make way for the construction of a new two-storey building accommodating two retail units on the ground floor, with seven apartments above it, alongside four townhouses.

In planning documents, the applicant stated: “Ultimately the site has very little to contribute to the local area.

"The site currently is a very poor quality environment and is in urgent need of redevelopment.”

The applicant added: “The building is currently vacant and unmanaged and has been for a considerable length of time."