A DIFFICULT decision lies in store for Middlewich Town Council about the future management of the civic hall and Victoria Buildings.

Running costs for the two buildings, on Civic Way and Lewin Street, could be as much as £91,000 but if it took on their management the town council would only receive £58,000 income, according to 2005/06 guide figures provided by Congleton Borough Council.

Speaking at the latest town council meeting, Clr Paul Edwards said: "I don't think that on the figures we have here we can take it on."

In a letter to the council Ian Simpson, assistant chief executive of Congleton Borough Council, said: "I can confirm that Congleton Borough Council would like to invite Middlewich Town Council to consider taking over the management of the civic hall and Victoria Buildings.

"As well as looking to reduce our own costs and the range of services we provide, we genuinely believe that devolving some services to town and parish councils can help provide local people with even better locally managed services."

The letter goes on to explain the town council would be responsible for internal maintenance while the borough council would retain responsibility for external maintenance and the use of the information centre.

It states any outstanding maintenance or repair work, including long-promised work to improve accessibility, would be completed before any transfer of management.

Clr Peter Hirst said: "Even with improved figures this is a very difficult decision for the council - maybe we should look at getting outside advice."

Clr Alison Roylance-White and Clr Mike Parsons will look at the figures and options available to the council in more detail.