CAMPAIGNERS leading a fight to save Silsden Town Hall from closure say they have been overwhelmed by the public backing.

Over a hundred people packed into the Kirkgate building last week for a meeting organised by the Friends of Silsden Town Hall.

And the group says many more concerned residents have come forward since to pledge their backing.

"Not only did we have the enthusiastic public meeting but we are constantly receiving messages of goodwill and backing," said Friends' chairman Ray Colling.

"The hall, it seems, is central to so many lives and is really treasured by the community."

The campaign was launched after Bradford Council announced the premises were among seven community halls across the district facing closure unless volunteers come forward to take over the running.

The plan is part of council proposals to slash £82 million from its budget.

Mr Colling said the the town hall had incurred a loss to the local authority of only about £5,000 in the past year and that the Friends had identified ways of making good the shortfall.

He added that new ideas were in the pipeline to further boost the venue's long-term sustainability and to develop its social care programme among the town's youngest and oldest residents.

"We are not talking about a lame duck building here," said Mr. Colling.

"We're campaigning on behalf of an active and useful hall which, if the council and community work together, has the potential to become a real feather in the cap of Bradford Met."

Over 1,000 people have supported a petition, which is still available to sign at Twiggs newsagents in Silsden and the local library.

Leading members of the Friends hope to have the chance to address a full council meeting over the issue.

The group will discuss the progress of the campaign at its next meeting, on February 9.

Bradford Council is currently carrying out a public consultation into its budget proposals, which would also affect facilities including public toilets and libraries.

People can have their say at bradford.gov.uk.

The consultation runs until February 12.

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