PLANS to reopen the Greig Hall in Alcester have taken a step forward following an agreement by two councils.

Alcester Town Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council have announced that they have reached agreement in principle for the town council to take a lease of the building.

The town council now has plans to reopen the building as a community hall and arts venue.

The Greig Hall was transferred to the district council along with the Greig Leisure Centre following the legal proceedings which concluded last year.

The memorial hall has been closed to the public since 2011 and it has been a long-term ambition of the Town Council to reopen it.

The Mayor of Alcester, Cllr Gill Forman said: “I am delighted that we have reached agreement with the District Council to take a lease of the Memorial Hall.

"In its heyday, the Hall was the venue for dances, performances and wedding receptions and it holds a very special place in the heart of the residents of Alcester.

“It is a real shame that the building has been closed and boarded up for so long but now is the time for its reinvention as an iconic venue’ It will attract shows and exhibitions from far and wide and also be available for residents and groups to use for local functions.

“The building is in a very sorry state and we have a great deal of work to do. I am confident, however, that with the support of our community, we can restore the Greig Hall to its proper place at the centre of community life in Alcester.”

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: “This is great news for the residents of Alcester that we have been able to reach an agreement in principle for Alcester Town Council to take a lease of the Hannah Susan Greig Memorial Hall in Alcester.

“The District Council’s Cabinet will now consider the agreement at its meeting in December as we need to follow due process. But this is another important milestone that’s been reached.”