Glastonbury Town Hall could face a bill of more than £100,000 to replace its ageing lift, councillors have been warned. Maintaining the existing equipment is already costing an estimated £10,000 a year.

The costs emerged at Glastonbury Town Council's meeting, when councillors questioned spending on repairs. Town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson said the lift was approaching the end of its life and urged the council to begin saving for a replacement.

He explained that a failed electrical component had needed to be manufactured in Spain and shipped over because it was not kept in stock. The lift uses a relay-based system, with engineers sometimes having to seek specialist advice when dealing with faults.

He told the meeting that replacing the equipment should be considered as part of providing value for money. He estimated maintenance was costing more than £10,000 annually, despite the lift being used relatively infrequently.

A replacement would cost more than £100,000, he said, with officers considering the issue for future budgets. He also acknowledged the difficulty of building reserves while managing the council's other commitments and the amount it asks residents to pay.

The lift provides access to the upper floor of the Magdalene Street building, which houses the council chamber and adjoining mayor's parlour. The Grade II* listed Town Hall dates from 1814.

The town clerk said the lift would be included among the considerations brought forward with the budget for the next financial year.

No replacement purchase or installation date was agreed at the meeting.

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