Chorley’s historic hall, which was due to reopen to the public on Wednesday, will remain closed for vital repairs.

Astley Hall has been closed since Christmas whilst conservation work was done to preserve the Grade 1 listed building.

But council chiefs have revealed a main wall in the Great Hall needs to be repaired before it reopens to the public.

Jamie Carson, director at Chorley Council, said: “It is hugely disappointing that the Hall can’t reopen as planned, but it is more important to preserve this magnificent building for future generations.

“Conservation work started at Christmas and we were hopeful the Hall could reopen in time for Easter, but as the work progressed it unearthed more major issues that have to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

“By remaining closed we can get the work done whilst everything is still covered and protected.”

The work revealed that a foundation beam which supported a 400-year-old wall in the Hall had rotted and needs to be replaced.

The closure means that events that were to be held in the Hall will have to be postponed, however, events planned for Astley Park, Coach House, Farmhouse and Walled Garden will be unaffected by the Hall’s closure.

The events affected include the following:

Astley Alive! with the Friends of Astley Hall which was to be held on Wednesday. This will be rearranged for later in the year.

The Easter bunny trail on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 3 to 6, however the planned Easter craft activities will go ahead in the Coach House

Chorley Photographic Society’s annual exhibition

Museums at Night annual UK festival scheduled for Friday 15 May

Jamie added: “I would also just like to reassure those who have booked weddings at Astley Hall between now and July that they will go ahead as planned as they were scheduled to take place in a part of the Hall unaffected by these works.

“It is disappointing that we’ve had to delay the opening but I’m sure everyone will understand the need for this vital work to be done.”

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