Witney Corn Exchange closed after heating failure
A public hall in West Oxfordshire has been closed because the heating and ventilation is close to breaking down.
Inspectors said the Grade II Witney Corn Exchange will be shut for the foreseeable future "due to the imminent failure" of the system.
"It's time to start looking at something other than short term fixes and that's what we need to do now," mayor Harry Eaglestone said.
The Corn Exchange was built in 1863 and last refurbished in 1978.
"While we are acutely aware of the historic significance of the Corn Exchange and the importance of its place in the heart of Witney, in its current state it's a bit like an old car," the mayor continued.
"Once one thing goes wrong and is fixed you are immediately faced with the next problem and so it goes on.
"It will take some time to give careful consideration to all of the options before any decisions are made and before any further money is spent."
Witney Town Council said it has listened to the feedback of the hall's users and will incorporate them in plans for "a modern, purpose built town centre venue".