Heritage Centre plans may not be viable, warns report.

And this estimate might not be viable for the town, reveals a report.

The report was prepared by Northleach Town Council following a series of meetings with the owners, Cotswold District Council.

Minimum staffing requirements for two to three reception staff, a curatorial manager and a caretaker could cost £80,000, it reads.

A further £100,000 will be needed to install better heating for all year use.

Town councillor Chris Hancock told fellow members at a meeting: "The government's new Disability and Discrimination Act also has to be complied with by 2004 to provide services to members of the public so it doesn't discriminate against anyone with a disability. This could cost up £200,000.

"For example, if we put a lift in it could be £30-40,000. Then there are ramps, signs and lighting.

"Whoever takes it over is going to have to think of that as well.

"Having looked at the figures, this council and other groups will have a huge problem in making it work.

"There is no rational way of hiring the place and making it usable without lots of money being spent on the infrastructure of the building."

The centre could be commercially viable if the community was "willing to put money in the pot", he added.

The report revealed that funds would be available from ancillary facilities, paying tourists and groups using the building once the building was up and running.

This would generate an income of £35,000, leaving a £10,000 net profit once operation costs were removed.

CDC closed the former 18th century prison last year when it was making £2 million cuts across the area.

The building housed permanent displays Cotswold rural life as well as temporary exhibitions and events.

CDC has told Northleach Town Council it does not want to dispose of the building because it needs to house the Lloyd Baker collection, but it will consider leasing the property.

The town council now plans to speak with interested parties about the future of the building.