Construction work has officially begun converting a landmark town building into flats.

Plans to transform Ulverston's Town Hall into 17 apartments have begun despite months of campaigning against the development.

When plans were first laid out to redevelop the disused site in Queen Street early 2017, a local action group was formed to protest against the proposal on the grounds it would cause resident disruption and irreparable damage to a town landmark.

Despite campaigning efforts, the developer, South Lakes Housing, was given the green light to go ahead with the project by town councillors.

SLDC councillor Helen Irving, who is also an Ulverston Town Councillor, objected to the development.

She said: "I'm very disappointed we had to go away with the Town Hall.

"I'm really sad to see it go and see the work which is currently happening.

"It's a real loss to the town but we fought hard and there was nothing more we could do."

Fellow town councillor Mark Wilson, however, is largely in favour of the development.

He said: "There are currently 3,000 people on the waiting list which this scheme will help reduce.

"I see it is as a really positive thing for the town which will help bring 36 people off the waiting list.

"I'm glad we finally got some of the neighbours onboard. I'm very much in favour of the plans."

The housing development is expected to be completed by March 2020.

A spokesman for the South Lakes Housing said: "Our scheme is the refurbishment and conversion of the former town hall and offices into 17 apartments for rent for local people.

"The building has been empty for some years and we thought it was a really good opportunity to breathe new life into it and bring it back into use as good quality residential accommodation.

"When completed (we anticipate by March 2020) the building will comprise of 11 bedroom units and six bedroom units."