THE future of Witney’s Corn Exchange will not be known before February despite the Prime Minister wanting it back open as soon as possible.

The Corn Exchange closed on Thursday, November 10, because its heating and ventilation systems were in danger of “imminent failure” and safety fears.

But the Grade II-listed building is also thought to need refurbishing and Witney Town Council is planning a series of inspections which are unlikely to be finished before early February.

A council spokesman said: “Once the council has established costs and suggestions it is anticipated that a public consultation be held to encourage feedback regarding any decisions about the facility’s future.”

Now David Cameron, the Witney MP, has contacted the town council about reopening the building, which is used by numerous groups for staging plays, as an arts centre and for community events.

He said: “I know local residents and community groups greatly value this public facility.

“I am in correspondence with the town council asking them to ensure the closure is for as short a time as possible.”

Among the events which have had to find other venues are Witney Dramatic Society’s panto, Witney Spiritualist Church’s meetings and Jill Stew School of Dance.

Last week groups who use the building formed a campaign group to push for answers about how long it will be shut.

Drama group member Natalie Mullins, 30, said: “I just hope that they get a move on. We really need to get back in there so we can use the stage.

“It is a public hall and we hate feeling that we are being left in the dark.

“If the council had told us, many of us would have been willing to help with the problems.”

Her group will now be staging its Christmas panto, Babes in the Wood, at Cokethorpe School.

Where possible the town council has moved users to the adjacent Langdale Hall.

Langdale Hall will also be refurbished, the council says, including the creation of two new meeting rooms.

The town council claims the decision to go ahead with the refurbishment of Langdale Hall, which would also be completed in February, is unrelated to the closure of the Corn Exchange.

Ruth Baigent, founder of Class Act Musical Theatre, said: “Langdale Hall doesn’t replace the Corn Exchange. I don’t think anything can.

“There is no question that the Corn Exchange needs to reopen.”

Class Act will be staging its production of The Wizard of Oz in Henry Box School during the February half term.