STOURPORT town councillors have warned taking over the civic centre could increase residents’ council tax but say it would be “worthwhile”.

Members of Stourport Town Council voted at a meeting on Tuesday to continue working towards acquiring the Stourport Civic Centre after Wyre Forest District Council moves out later this year.

A “feasibility report” produced by its treasurer recommended the authority continue with the project and develop initial plans for the move.

It warned, however, if the project was taken forward Stourport residents’ council tax could increase and the annual deficit could reach £31,280.

Labour councillor Jamie Shaw said: “It is of value to the community the centre be used and the hall developed as a centre of the arts for Stourport. In terms of the increase of the precept it is quite a significant percentage.

“We have to note that is the burden we are taking on ourselves but it is something worth pursuing at the moment, with a positive consequence. When you do anything worthwhile, there is always a cost.”

Conservative councillor John Holden , chairman of the cross-party town centre working group, said the next three months would be critical and there were still “many hurdles to overcome”.

“This is another big step forward,” he said. “We are all keen to move this forward but need to make sure we have explored all the options and received the best advice before making a decision.

“This is a great opportunity but also a very challenging project with the aim of creating a real civic and community resource for the town.”

For the past year, the Stourport Facilities Project Steering Group has been working to develop a project to create the multi-use hub.

In May 2012 an “in-principle” agreement was given by town council members to further explore the project’s practical and financial implications.