Plans by Oakham Town Council to move into a historic hall are under review. 

Earlier this year, the council agreed to move out of its current rented premises in ROL House on Long Row, Oakham and into its former home in Victoria Hall, although the decision was subject to a survey. 

The survey has come back saying external works to the hall could cost as much as £300,000 and could be 'significantly' higher if external improvements are needed, and so a decision about a move is now less certain. 

In the background, talks had been happening between the trustees of the hall and councillor Paul Ainsley, to possibly gift the hall to the town council. The local authority, which levies a precept on residents to run its services, would then have liability for upkeep and maintenance. The prospect has not been welcomed by all councillors. 

The town council will meet on Wednesday 6th August and the move will be on the agenda. 

The papers say: "OTC needs to review the decision to move to the VH. 

"We are waiting for updates from Graham Cooley regarding the Victoria Hall with the aim of providing a more detailed breakdown of budget costs of works. Financial breakdowns from the Victoria Hall." 

The hall has been a regular fixture on the council's agenda since last year when the town council bailed out the hall, after the hall appealed for help to pay the bills. 

Since then, more than £12,500 has been provided by the council to the hall to pay for a new boiler and £2,400 was spent on the survey. 

A trustee from the hall is due to give a presentation to the councillors next month and so it is unlikely a final decision will be made about the council's move until after then.  

Council clerk Chris Evans said notice has not been given to the current landlords. 

He said: "The survey has come back and it has led to more questions. We, as a council, will not be rushed into anything. 

"This is public money and we have to get it right." 

The hall dates back to the 1800s and has had many uses over the years.