KNUTSFORD Town Council may have to shell out £20,000 of repairs for one of the town’s iconic buildings.

Agents at Fisher German, told Knutsford Town councillors at a meeting on Monday, November 28, that one of the staircases in the Belle Époque, at 60 King Street, has been ravaged by woodworm.

However the works, which affect the staircase leading to the tower of the popular wedding venue, will not begin until a date has been established, which is expected to be around January 2018, although negotiations between the owner Matthew Mooney and the town council are still taking place.

Adam Keppel-Garner, town clerk, assured the Guardian that these works will not come at a cost to the taxpayer, as rent paid by the tenant goes towards £50,000 paid out for property maintenance each year.

He said: “All works undertaken by the Town Council at 60 King Street are covered entirely by the rental we receive from La Belle Epoque Ltd meaning that any repair liabilities will not cost the precept payer a penny.”

Simon Geary and Alex Broad from Fisher German attended the meeting to discuss potential options so as to not disturb the venue’s commercial events.

Matthew said: “It’s our job, at the Belle Epoque, to make sure the work goes ahead with minimal disruption as we have done in the past.

“Anything that makes the building even more beautiful is only for the good of the Knutsford and the Belle Époque.

“I’m sure future brides and grooms will be delighted when the works are completed.”

Amid the works to the staircase, there is also a list of other maintenance works taking place across a five-year period including window-sill repairs, gutter repairs and cleaning the stonework outside the building.