The axe could fall on a threatened day centre for older people next week.

Despite protests from local people and elderly users about Heather Court in Menston, councillors will be recommended to approve the closure of the centre at Tuesday's executive meeting in a move that will save them more than £250,000 per year.

But social services bosses have adopted a suggestion from local people to provide alternative facilities at Menston Hall in the village. They are hoping this will satisfy critics who were appalled at the prospect of losing the much-loved Heather Court facility. And it would allow the council to sell off the Heather Court site, netting £700,000.

However, people who currently travel to Heather Court from Baildon, Shipley and Bingley will be allocated places at other centres closer to home.

If the recommendation gets the go-ahead, £60,000 will be spent developing the replacement service at Menston Hall and upgrading facilities.

The aim would be to create a homely and caring atmosphere, and retain the services of the hairdresser and chiropodist who currently visit Heather Court.

A report to Tuesday's meeting states: "This option meets the strong preference of local residents to continue providing a local service, while at the same time bringing significant reductions in running costs.

"It would leave the land and buildings at Heather Court surplus to requirements, and allow the realisation of a substantial capital asset."

Councillor Kris Hopkins, executive member for health and housing, said: "There is a great community spirit in Menston, and this new proposal recognises this and the need to make sure local people can access services in their local area.

"That is why we are also proposing to develop services in other areas, such as Baildon, Bingley and Shipley, because people shouldn't have to travel to Menston to use services - they should be available closer to home.

"Our aim is to provide services that meet the needs of a particular community, and I believe that is what these proposals do."

l Meanwhile plans to demolish a former elderly care home in Shipley and build sheltered housing in its place are due to be discussed at the same meeting on Tuesday.

Hallcroft was recently used to house a group of Kosovan refugees but will now be transferred to the Anchor Housing Association.

The Association wants to develop an extra care housing scheme - where tenants will have self-contained flats and care packages to enable them to live independently. If approved on Tuesday, redevelopment of the site will start in the near future.