WITNEY’S Corn Exchange, shut down because of a failing heating system, also contravened fire safety regulations and had a crumbling balcony, it emerged last night.

The hall, used by community groups for plays, concerts, pantos and meetings, was closed without warning almost a month ago after a report showed its heating and ventilation system was in danger of “imminent failure”.

Other investigations into the Market Square building’s condition have been made but owner Witney Town Council has refused to release the full extent of the problems and repairs needed.

However, the Oxford Mail has discovered several other defects identified, which include that the seats are more than 30 years old and did not comply with fire safety legislation.

Some of the wiring is 40 years old and also found to be failing, while the balcony has cracks in it and metal rods have been put in place to keep it in place.

Witney mayor Harry Eaglestone said: “The bit before you go in (to the hall) is cracked right across and it is unsafe. They have had to put in scaffolding to prop it up and make sure it will not move any more.”

Council member Duncan Enright said: “There are some quite well-known problems, like the seating, which is unsafe and a fire hazard, and the wiring, which is shot.”

Clerk Sharon Groth confirmed metal rods had been used to stabalise the balcony and scaffolding installed to catch falling mortar.

She also confirmed the problems with the seats and wiring, but said these details were not released originally because the council “did not have the full picture at the time”.

New reports have come out since, she said.

The Oxford Mail has asked for reports into the defects but been refused by the town council. On Monday night Mr Enright also asked for the reports to be put on the council’s website but this was also turned down.

Ms Groth said the first report would remain confidential until after the council put the work out for tender, which may not be until the summer. But she added: “The plan is definitely to reopen the Corn Exchange.”