DISCUSSIONS of the future of Brentwood town hall were the theme of the borough council’s first public webchat last week.

Council leader Cllr Louise McKinlay answered inquiries from residents about the future of the building and other council policy.

Responding to one question, she said that although the town hall is an iconic building, the costs of keeping it running in it’s current state could prove a stumbling block. Expensive repairs would be needed to keep the building usable, she added.

“The current building is very expensive to run and only 50 per cent occupied. The tax payer is paying for unused space and an out of date and highly inefficient building. This money could certainly be better used elsewhere,” she said.

She also said that the decision will take into account the strength of civil pride and longstanding association with the building, in Ingrave Road.

One hundred per cent of respondents said they would be interested in taking part in similar council webchats in the future.