Cowling residents have slammed plans for a new village hall, in favour of keeping the old one.

Around 30 villagers attended a meeting to debate the future of the hall which was called by the steering group.

Architect Andrew Forman compiled plans for a refurbished old hall and drawings of a new one on five possible sites. They were displayed in the village hall for a fortnight.

"We are not trying to impose anything on anybody - this is just a discussion," said steering group chairman, David Chilton. He stressed that whatever was decided needed commitment.

Mr Chilton said no money would be raised until a project was selected.

The five suggested sites - Ling Crag Gardens, Royd Mill, the former sewage works, Springwell Close and the recreation ground - were examined in turn.

Villagers dismissed Ling Crag Gardens as too small and Royd Mill was said to be too pricey at over £500,000. The sewage works site was dismissed as too far from the village centre.

Objections to using the village recreation ground were also voiced.

Catherine Smith, a recreation group committee member, said they had applied for village green status. "It would be a small area of green space that belongs to the village for all time - it should be protected," she added.

Villager Joan Tindale suggested a new option - using St Andrew's church hall. She said: "Any money raised from the sale of the old village hall could be moved to the alteration of St Andrew's."

But most agreed refurbishing the old hall was the way forward at an estimated cost of £187,000.

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