MEMBERS of a town council are mounting a fight against plans for their headquarters to be sold on the open market or turned into affordable homes.

Langstone House, on Windermere's Broad Street, is home to the council chamber of Windermere Town Council, but was declared 'surplus to requirements' last year by owners, South Lakeland District Council.

Now members of the town council say they plan to register it as a community asset, which will give them another six months to come up with an alternative proposal.

"I feel quite strongly about this. I feel we're in danger of losing a valuable asset for the community," said Cllr Bill Smith.

"We've got to make the case that more research is needed."

And Cllr Robert Judson said he believed the council has a right to acquire the property through the Localism Act.

"We need to look at the Localism Act that allows communities to take assets and manage them themselves," he said.

A spokesman for South Lakeland District Council said Windermere Town Council has a 'right' to use part of the premises and options for the future use of Langstone House will have to take account of this.

"A report on options for Langstone House will be going to a future cabinet meeting," they continued.

"This will update on discussions between the council and Windermere Town Council and outline proposals for the building."