Runcorn's original town hall is set to be demolished and its old library converted into a community hub after new proposals were backed by planning chiefs.

Halton's development management committee met last night where it backed a scheme  by Signature Housing Group to flatten Waterloo House on Egerton Street and build 29 supported living apartments. The plans will also see the neighbouring Grade-II listed Carnegie Library converted into a community hub.

The landmark Waterloo House was built in the 1830s by industrialist Charles Hazelhurst, and later converted for use as the Runcorn’s Town Hall between 1874 to 1933.

The Carnegie building next door was constructed in 1906 with money donated by Scottish American businessman Andrew Carnegie. It was the main library in Runcorn until a larger library was opened in the 1970s at Halton Lea. It first became a branch library, then closed as a library in 2012. The building was awarded Grade II listed status in 2007.

Committee member Cllr Dave Thompson told members: "It saddens me that over the years it's gotten in such a state that we're in this position. But we are in this position and we can't turn back time.

"We've got to the point now where it's falling down. If it's not pulled down - it's going to fall down."

Fellow committee member Cllr Chris Loftus, added: "I agree with Cllr Thompson. I hate to see buildings of this age demolished because they've been left to rot.

"We don't look after our history north of the Watford Gap. Everything is concentrated down in London, where most of the money goes for the protection of our history."

The committee was told the three-storey facility which would replace the Waterloo Centre would provide accommodation for adults with early onset dementia and other special needs. The former library next door would become a community facility with three rooms which could be used for meeting spaces for local groups, as well as counselling sessions.

Although planning permission has now been granted, Halton's ruling executive board will have to approve the cash for the demolition work when it meets on Thursday, with the figure expected to be in the region of £110k.