FOLLOWING a Òcall for actionÓ, local councillors have agreed to undertake a full, professional condition survey of Alton Assembly Rooms.

Plans to refurbish the building hit a stumbling block in November last year when an application for Heritage Lottery funding was rejected because the proposed treatment of the building failed to meet conservation requirements.

The scheme failed on two counts - it was not felt to be Òheritage-ledÓ, nor was it based upon a full condition survey by a suitable professional.

With this in mind, Alton Town CouncilÕs recreation committee agreed last week to go ahead with a survey which, even if it did not help to procure a lottery grant, would identify any maintenance work needed.

Town clerk Steve Parkinson told councillors that he had so far received three quotes - the lowest for £875 plus VAT, with a possible increase to provide access to the roof; one for £2,000 and another for £2,400. The lowest bidder, he said, had a track record with historic buildings having worked on St Lawrence Church.

In urging fellow members to go ahead with the survey, Allan Chick pointed out that the refurbishment of Alton Assembly Rooms had been under discussion for the past six years and it was about time something positive happened.

Chairman John Smith described the decision to go ahead with the survey as Òa positive stepÓ which would enable the council to move forward with the project.

Alton Town Council was granted Listed Building consent for an application to carry out a first floor extension and alterations to the main entrance at Alton Assembly Rooms in February last year.

Located within the Alton Conservation Area, the property was granted Grade II Listed Building status in 2000. Planning permission for the project was granted in 1999.