THOUSANDS of pounds of council taxpayers' money could be spent on buying Glusburn's former Baptist chapel in a bid to secure the future of the village's institute.

The chapel, which closed its doors earlier this month, was built next to the institute.

Now institute bosses want to buy the building at a cost of around £45,000 to secure the future of the institute's main hall.

They are in the process of applying for grants, but need £30,000 from Glusburn Parish Council - the trustees of the institute.

But before they can do this, the parish council will have to gauge the views of residents in Glusburn and Cross Hills at a public meeting to be held next month.

The institute's main hall is the venue for stage productions and musical events throughout the year.

However, under new legislation, disabled access must be provided to the stage by means of a lift.

The former chapel building holds the key to providing this lift by freeing up extra space.

"If the institute wants to buy the property it should be prepared to pay the asking price," institute management committee treasurer Peter Seward told parish council members last week.

"In order to maintain the viability of the building we have to take in this extra property when we get the opportunity.

"I feel that the parish council should be the leading light in acquiring the property."

And management committee chairman Allan Clough added: "This is the only way we can put this lift in."

Mr Clough said the Arts Council of Great Britain had been assured that if the chapel building ever became available, the institute would buy it.

Parish council vice-chairman Gill Birks said the matter must go before a public meeting.

"The institute is owned by the people of Glusburn and Cross Hills and it's important that they should have a say. It is public money that we're dealing with."

A public meeting is to take place on October 18 at a time and venue to be fixed.

Glusburn Parish Council has already sunk £15,000 into special projects at the institute.

The money was used to bring the building into line with new fire regulations and provide better stage scenery equipment.

The parish council has already given its blessing towards the principle of buying the chapel.

It became empty after its small congregation moved to the chapel in Sutton - now renamed South Craven Baptist Chapel.