PEOPLE in Trowbridge have given their support to the town council's plan to take over the former magistrates' court and are prepared to pay extra tax to fund the move.

More than 100 people turned up to an open day held last month and completed a questionnaire, with 78 per cent saying they would be willing to pay extra council tax for its refurbishment.

Over 80 per cent of those questioned supported the move to take over the building from Wiltshire County Council.

If the move goes ahead the building could be used for a range of purposes including a register office, function rooms and tourist information centre.

Three more open days have been planned, on January 22 and February 25 and 26.

Deputy town clerk Peter Barnett said: "We want something that will promote the town and we want to give this building the profile that it needs."

The council hopes to negotiate a nominal £1 to the county council but will then have to raise funds to refurbish and operate the building.

Mr Barnett said: "This needs to be done on a partnership basis in a way that limits the cost to the taxpayer."