PLANS to convert Hitchin Town Hall into a new North Herts district museum will be discussed at a public meeting tonight (Monday). In the first of two meetings this week, a North Herts District Council scrutiny committee will meet at the hall to examine

PLANS to convert Hitchin Town Hall into a new North Herts district museum will be discussed at a public meeting tonight (Monday).

In the first of two meetings this week, a North Herts District Council scrutiny committee will meet at the hall to examine �3.5m plans to convert the venue to hold the Hitchin and Letchworth museum collections.

The council announced in January that it will close the two council owned museums and look into the possibility of converting the town hall.

Tricia Gibbs, portfolio holder for community engagement, said: "I am looking forward to making progress on creating a new museum for North Herts. Too much of our fascinating heritage lies hidden in our storeroom because we haven't got the display space in the two present museums. The new facility will mean the museums service will have much more to offer the community, young and old alike."

The scrutiny committee will meet at 7.30pm tonight and a second meeting of cabinet members will meet tomorrow at 8pm. Members of the public are welcome at both.