It is no surprise that residents of Witney have backed proposals to retain and refurbish the historic Corn Exchange as a community venue.

And they are ready to put their money where their mouth is, with many saying they are prepared to pay higher council tax to pay for modernisation work.

The building is part of the fabric of the town in more ways than one. Its historic facade is an icon of the town centre.

And it provides a home for so many community groups. Its importance was underlined by residents’ reactions when it closed without warning last November. They were outraged by its crumbling state.

The survey carried out by the town council has reaffirmed residents’ love of, and need for, the Corn Exchange – and their opposition to the idea of it being handed over to a commercial developer.

The vast majority of those who responded had attended events held in the building and the vast majority described it as important.

It is true that Witney Town Council had let one of the town’s treasures fall into disrepair. But now it is taking positive steps along the long and ultimately expensive road to reopening.

The council has the backing of the town for this approach and we urge its members to push ahead with their difficult duty of breathing new life into this key community asset.

We hope that when a revitalised and vibrant Corn Exchange reopens, it will be the beginning of a new and happier chapter in the building’s life.