SELLING off Morecambe Town Hall as part of a bold' rationalisation of Lancaster City Council would be like selling off the family silverware, claims a local councillor.

The grand building on the resort's promenade would be sold as part of plans which would see Lancaster Town Hall transformed into a museum and a new town hall built in Morecambe.

But Cllr Evelyn Archer storms: "If this happens we are selling off the family silverware and I am disturbed about this because there is a certain amount of civic pride in this town.

"The plans suggest that Lancaster City Council will not be building a new town hall but leasing one - I would like to know why they cannot develop the present Morecambe building.

"I am also concerned about where the new building would be situated. I have been informed that it would not be on the promenade and I am worried that a car park could be used. Car parks are essential for people who want to visit."

The angry councillor goes on: "For 31 years, ever since Morecambe and Lancaster joined, Lancaster has worked to try and rid Morecambe of its identity.

"If Morecambe Town Hall is sold is will be the last nail in Morecambe's coffin."

But despite Cllr Archer's concerns, members of the council's cabinet pushed the idea forward at a meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

Officers had drawn up two options as part of their access to services' review.

One is to upgrade facilities at the two town halls while the other, more radical, proposal is to turn Lancaster Town Hall into a museum, sell off the Morecambe building and move into a purpose built civic building in the resort.

Officers recommended the second option and cabinet agreed.

Chief executive Mark Cullinan told cabinet: "There is the do nothing situation but that will cost the city council millions, while the second option will not cost the council any more and maybe less with better results.

"Morecambe would become the civic centre of the district."

Council leader Cllr Ian Barker said: "I am very excited about these plans and I believe this would have a real regeneration affect on Morecambe.

"Morecambe Town Hall is very precious to the people of Morecambe and it is one of the nicest buildings in the town - I would not see it boarded up and covered in grafitti."

Around 330 jobs would be moved from Lancaster Town Hall to Morecambe with the Palatine Hall on Dalton Square also being sold off.

"I think this is a really good idea," said Cllr Jon Barry. "I think we should all support it."