A CLOSURE-threatened community building has been thrown a temporary lifeline after Sure Start announced it wants to use it in the New Year.

Pendle Council wanted to merge Nelson Civic Theatre and the Silverman Hall, also in Nelson town centre, into a 'premier' community facility.

The issue was discussed Nelson executive meeting after supporters of the theatre called for action to save the building, amid fears in could be closed down.

John Kirk executive services director said the request would mean the leisure trust had more time to develop a suitable plan for a new community facility.

He added: "We have been approached by Sure Start to use it for most of 2004. This gives us breathing space and a chance to get funding and develop community facilities in Nelson."

Sure Start will be using the civic theatre from February 2004 to Autumn 2004 as its headquarters.

It was forced to find other premises while refurbishment work is carried out at their usual accommodation in St Mary's community building in McLeod Street.

Councillors said they were opposed to seeing the facility axed and discussed ways in which to secure funding to save the former Sunday school building in Stanley Street.

The theatre is used by a number of groups, including pensioners' luncheon clubs and drama clubs but is in need of a major refurbishment, including repairs to the roof and drains.