PLANS to transform leisure services in Winsford came under the microscope again during an area meeting at the civic hall.

Last Wednesday, residents were given the opportunity to hear more details about the proposals to close the existing civic hall building in favour of a new £7.5million facility at Winsford Sports Complex.

Town and borough councillor Pam Booher said: "It was a very constructive meeting in that people were given information on what is being proposed.

"I think the general consensus of opinion from residents at the meeting was that they want to keep the civic hall where it is.

"It has got old and in need of some attention but I think a lot of people would like to see it stay and that seemed to be what nearly everyone at the meeting was saying.

"Personally I am reserving judgement for the moment."

Vale Royal Borough Council has agreed in principle to the development of a new leisure centre and a project officer has been appointed to coordinate the consultation process with stakeholders, users and residents.

Town and borough councillor Malcolm Gaskill believes the plans will be a huge boost for the town.

He said: "There is this petition going around but I can't understand it.

"The civic hall is 45 years old and is just not appropriate for the needs of the area today.

"The only time we have ever got near the 1,000 capacity is when the man who tells the dirty jokes came to town.

"I know of acts who don't want to come to Winsford because they don't want to perform in front of a half empty venue."