MONEY spent on improving disabled access and facilities at Worcester's Guildhall could help secure Lottery funding for further development, a city councillor said last night.

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams told the cabinet funds to install a lift between floors and disabled toilets could constitute the council's contribution towards heritage Lottery funding.

The council is currently preparing a Lottery bid to help pay for a potential revamp of the 18th Century building that could see it home a museum or arts facility, as well as a new tourist information centre and caf.

Improvements to disabled facilities and access are being undertaken to ensure The Guildhall conforms to disability discrimination laws coming into force.

"The money we spend on these disability discrimination improvements can be taken as our part of the contribution if a Lottery bid is made within 12 months," said Coun Mackenzie-Williams.

He added that the "absolute drop dead date" for work to begin is April, so the building is altered in time for the introduction of the law in October, 2004.

Council leader Stephen Inman warned that work on implementing the disabled facilities must begin quickly as The Guildhall, in the High Street, is a listed building.

"We need to crack on with this because there needs to be a lot of paperwork done.

"Putting lifts in Grade I listed buildings is a tricky affair," said Coun Inman.

The cabinet also confirmed last night that The Guildhall will not be used as Worcester's customer service centre, where residents will be able to receive a range of council services.

Instead, the centre will be based at the council's Orchard House, in Farrier Street.

The council feared that positioning the facility in The Guildhall might affect the plans to introduce new attractions.