Councillors say the Corn Exchange in Market Place will re-open by the end of the year despite a funding setback.

Witney Town Council’s bid for £1.8m funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund was rejected on Thursday. The bid was part of plans to revamp the Grade II-listed hall, which closed suddenly in November 2011 after a safety inspection uncovered problems such as asbestos and building structure.The costs are not yet known.