THE future of Earlestown's last public building has reached crisis point, as its main income looks set to end.

Fears for Earlestown Town Hall mounted as Helena Housing, the civic hall's principal source of revenue, announced it was looking for alternative premises.

At Newton Community Forum, last Wednesday, concerned councillors and community representatives called for action to save it.

Newton councillor, Suzanne Knight said: "If Helena Housing does leave, this building will be placed in serious danger. No money, no possible way to keep it alive, and who can blame Helena Housing for wanting to leave, the offices are in an appalling condition, it's wrong to get the housing company to stay in such shoddy conditions."

Clr Knight says St Helens Council needs to invest heavily in the run-down building to attract new users.

She continued: "It would not only mean a loss of services to the community, but a huge part of the town's heritage would disappear."

Stephen Tracey, council officer, said: "At this stage, Helena Housing is not able to commit to a permanent presence in the town hall, it is concerned over the standard of offices and is actively looking for alternative accommodation."

The housing company's decision to move comes just two months after the rent office closed, and social services, left, increasing fears that recent cuts will spell the end for the 170-year-old building.

David Smith, a representative for Newton Churches Together, said: "The council needs to be looking to improve standards of facilities at the town hall.

"It would be in the interest of all parties and protect one of the town's most important sites, as well as keeping services in the heart of the community."

A move to business centre Centrix House, Crow Lane East, has been rumoured, but Nigel Yates, of Helena Housing, said residents and tenants' representatives would be consulted before any decision is taken.