A piece of Braintree's heritage could be under threat if funding from the council is cut.

Braintree Council could bring about the closure of its former home if budget plans to axe funding go ahead.

The town hall centre is listed as one of the council's non-priorities for the year 2004/2005.

Under budget proposals for the coming year, services including the town hall, have been listed as non-priorities, meaning the council is reconsidering funding them.

This could mean that the staff at the town hall will have to look at alternative ways of funding the building.

If they are unable to raise enough money, the service could be cut.

But Chris Trim, spokesman for Braintree Council, said: "This is not necessarily a death knell.

"This is a way of the council saying it is not going to expand the service, but it does not necessarily mean it is going to get cut."

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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