USE it or lose it is the stark warning issued this week by the chairman of Minchinhampton landmark the Market House.

George Oxberry is leading a management committee battling to revitalise the loss-making town centre institution, suffering from declining usage and increasing maintenance costs.

He told the SNJ: "At the moment we don't have any money at all. We are literally operating at a loss because we don't have the requisite income. It's a unique building. To me it's a dreadful shame to let it get to the point where it can't be used."

Accountants suggest that by July next year, if the situation remains the same, the building will be bankrupt and the committee will be forced to go cap in hand to outside authorities to find the money to operate the ailing institution.

"It's a dreadful thought," said Mr Oxberry. "We will be unable to pay our bills." In just three years upstairs usage has plummeted from around 190 lettings a year to 120.

Mr Oxberry says to survive usage needs to return to that level or greater and the undercroft also needs more use.

The situation has worsened with competition from other town meeting places such as the youth club, the school, The Crown Inn, the scout hut and the Methodist Church, along with the pressing need for a replacement stairlift, likely to cost around £5,000.

Keen competition coupled with the threat of losing the groups it currently has, such as Minchinhampton Dramatic Society, mean that price rises have been ruled out as a way of generating income.

"It seems to me such a pity that a building that is at the centre of the town and with such a history behind it isn't used more," he said.

"It's the logo of the town. The appeal is simply: use it or lose it." To suggest uses for the Market House call George Oxberry on 01453 884321.