ONE of Buckinghamshire's most iconic buildings could be modernised after plans for a new lift were revealed last night.

The proposals for improvements to Old Amersham's historic Market Hall were put forward by Amersham Society Chairman Martin Brooks at a town council meeting.

And the plans were generally met with approval from councillors, who agreed to investigate the feasibility of the scheme.

Mr Brooks said the project would incorporate the lift as subtly as possible – but added it could cost up to £45,000 to install.

He told councillors: “We think there's a feasible way of doing this and we would be prepared to put our money where our mouth is.

“It's something we've been thinking about for five or six years.

“The hall has difficult stair access, particularly for the elderly, disabled and the very young.

“We've found there are many [Amersham Society] members who are elderly or infirm and say they would love to come to meetings but simply can't face getting up and down the stairs.”

He added the plans would be beneficial to the town council, which owns the 17th century Listed building.

“Its usage would rise and income earning potential would increase,” said Mr Brooks. “You as the owners could charge more for its rental and you would get more frequent rentals. There's a lack of alternative meeting venues in the Old Town and it's not easy to go elsewhere.

“It would be great to take it to the next step, if we get support from everybody.”

Members of the town council said they would set up a working group with the Amersham Society to discuss the plans.

Cllr Meg White suggested setting up a charitable trust to involve residents in the plans.

She said: “It seems communities take more interest in buildings and parks where they are more responsible, rather than just the town council running it on their behalf.”

Cllr Vera Head added: “We wanted one 20 years ago. The WI gave up using the Market Hall because they couldn't get up the stairs.

“We've got nothing to lose looking into it but we shouldn't go beyond the feasibility study until we know our prospects.”

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