The cost of refurbishing Malmesbury Town Hall has rocketed to around £920,000 in order to bring it into line with new disability discrimination law.

Councillor Charles Vernon released the figure after the Town Hall Action Group met on Monday. He admitted it was much higher than the £700,000 previously expected.

Two previous plans were dismissed as financially unviable two weeks ago, but the latest plan is to make the building more user friendly.

Budgeting for the new proposals means the Town Hall Action Group would generate around £150,000 from the people of Malmesbury and grants, but would ask North Wiltshire District Council to cover the remainder.

Coun Vernon said: "We were hoping it would cost much less, certainly a third less or a quarter less. We have ended up with far more than we expected. However, to comply with the disability discrimination act there is a lot of work that needs done. For that reason we have concluded we can raise £150,000 but we are asking the district council to find the rest of the money."

The Disability Discrimination Act, which came into force this month, means businesses and organisations have to make their buildings fully accessible.

This would involve combining the ground floors of the town hall and Wiltshire College into one open plan area, and demolishing the current stairway to the mayor's parlour.

The refitted building would house new public toilets that could be used only during daytime.

There would also be larger lifts and 11 extra parking spaces could be created by demolishing the public toilets at the Cross Hayes car park.

But Christine Reid, NWDC portfolio member for asset management and regeneration, said she would not recommend the district council fund the plan.

Mrs Reid said: "I cannot speak for the executive but I cannot see why the district council would fund it to the tune of £800,000.

"I think people exaggerate the work that has to be done to comply with the new disability laws.

"We made it perfectly clear to Malmesbury Town Council that this was their responsibility. It is interesting that the press is told about this before the council. They have come up with a scheme that is very expensive."

Coun Andrew Woodcock said the district council must cover the Town Hall bill, as the building is its responsibility.