TENBURY Wells' historic Pump Rooms could soon be transferred to the ownership of the town council.

A report, to be presented to Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee this month, lays out the proposal to transfer ownership from the district council to ensure that the Grade II listed building continues to be available for public use.

Since the closure of Malvern Hills District Council's area office and the move to the Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centre at Tenbury Library, the future use of the building needed to be decided. Given the historic importance of the Pump Rooms to Tenbury, the district council was keen to see the building put to good use and began discussions with the town council in December.

District councillor Phillip Grove said he was pleased the building could soon be a community asset for the area. "The district council is offering this transfer in order to remove any uncertainty that surrounds the future of the Pump Rooms, and to assist the town council in ensuring the jewel in our crown' benefits the Tenbury community," he said.

District councillor Tony Penn said: "The district council is aware that the building is a rather iconic one for the people of Tenbury and I feel this recommendation will be well received and appreciated by local residents."

The report details that the district council proposes to complete the internal redecoration of the Pump Rooms, as part of the restoration works following the summer floods and pay for flood protection for the building before handing it over to the town council. If the report is passed then the intention is to complete the building transfer by Tuesday, April 1.