As many people as possible are being encouraged to attend a public meeting tonight to chew over the future of Charnwood House.

The event at The Sun Hotel from 7pm will launch the Charnwood Community Management Association as a charity – and allow the people of Hitchin to say what they want to happen to the iconic building which formerly housed Hitchin’s museum.

A spokesman for the association said: “Charnwood was gifted by the Moss family to the people of Hitchin some 80 years ago for use as a library, museum or other public use.

“Please come along to let us know your views on how the building should be used and present some ideas of your own – and help us to find out how the people of Hitchin want to use the building that was given so generously all those years ago.”

Attendees will be invited to become members of the association and elect the trustees.