Friends of a well-known museum are looking forward to celebrating its half-century despite its future being far from clear.

The Manor House Museum, in Ilkley, is believed to be on a shortlist of buildings considered for sale amid austerity measures affecting Bradford Council.

Although no decision has yet been made on its future, there are fears the Council could be forced to relinquish control of the building, which is on a Roman site.

But as the Friends of the Manor House prepare to celebrate the museum’s 50th birthday in July, there are concerns it could be the last.

“We’re all a bit concerned about how it will pan out in the end,” said John Cockshott, chairman of the Friends of the Manor House. “The Friends actually formed two years after the museum and we’ll be having our 50th in 2013 – if we make it. The parish council has been discussing the issue and is well aware of the concerns. I think we’re all waiting to see what happens and it’s a little unclear how far they will cut.”

Percy Dalton Esq originally presented the Manor House to Ilkley Urban District Council on July 8, 1961, and an exhibition to celebrate the museum starts exactly 50 years later.

“There is going to be an exhibition at the Manor House, which is going to be launched on July 8,” said Mr Cockshott. “It will be the preview for an exhibition running for a couple of months testifying to the history of the Manor House and the events and activities that have gone on in the last 50 years there. The following day, Friends of the Manor House will be providing a community event, which we’re in the process of planning at the moment.”

He said the museum played an important role in Ilkley life.

“The Manor House itself hasn’t changed too much in that time,” he said. “A couple of years ago the eastern end had a makeover so it’s very much an education floor so children can come in, have a class and have a morning there learning about Ilkley in general.

“The Friends funded the preparation of a Roman play because the Manor House is in the middle of a Roman site and the church next door. There have been lots of exhibitions. Recently there has been a tie-in with the Ilkley Literature Festival too.”