BRADFORD Council plans to sell off Ilkley 's historic Manor House Museum have been condemned as "scandalous", by the town's MP.

Campaigners pushing for a secure future for the historic building and its artefacts say they were shocked to learn that the Castle Yard building could be sold off.

Local artefacts stored in the museum and gallery are already believed to be in the process of being moved into storage in Bradford.

Standing on the site of Ilkley's Roman fort, the building - part of which dates back to the medieval period - was handed over to the town more than 50 years ago, and saved from dereliction thanks to the efforts of townspeople.

The Council previously said it intended to transfer the running of the museum to a community management scheme in the next financial year, and paid for a feasibility study to look at future uses.

But officers have now indicated that the Council intends to sell or dispose of the museum.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: "I am outraged that the Council intends to sell off this much-treasured community asset which holds such a special place in the hearts of the people of Ilkley, in addition to the many visitors from outside the district that the building attracts.

“As well as marking yet another step in the Council’s campaign to diminish Ilkley’s standing, as sure as night follows day we can be sure that Labour councillors in Bradford will then use the proceeds of the sale to fund pet projects in their own wards.

“And we must ask what’s next on their Ilkley hit list. King’s Hall? Ilkley Lido? Is anything safe?"

The Conservative MP claimed there was political motivation behind the move by the Labour-run Council.

He added: “The Manor House Museum must be retained for generations to come, not disposed of by a narrow-minded band of politically-motivated Labour councillors who have no understanding of Ilkley nor any desire to learn.

“The building is a piece of living history and should not be flogged off like a second-hand car. This scandalous decision must not stand."

Ilkley Parish Council and Ilkley Civic Society are also making representations to Bradford Council.

But some offered hope for the future of the museum.

Ilkley parish councillor, Brian Mann, who has been in talks over the past year, has told parish councillors the building would not be boarded up next month as feared - although it would close.

Cllr Mann said three options had been identified for the museum's future.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “Bradford Council has invested time and money in making sure that the Manor House has a sustainable future and will continue to work constructively with community groups and interested partners to find the best solution.

“This latest notice is part of an administrative process but does not change the Council's commitment to supporting local people in finding a viable future for the Manor House as an important part of Ilkley's cultural landscape.”