FURY has erupted that thousands of pounds in taxpayers’ money is being spent on an empty former courthouse.

Government officials have admitted that about £3,200 a month is going on ‘maintaining’ the one-time Keighley Magistrates’ Court building.

The premises – in Bradford Road, Bingley – have been disused since December, 2011, when hearings were transferred to Bradford.

Constituency MP Philip Davies has blasted the situation and is calling on the Government to “cut its losses” and auction off the building.

He has raised the issue with courts minister Sir Oliver Heald.

Mr Davies says the monthly bill for maintaining the site is closer to £5,000.

“The Government is paying thousands of pounds every month to effectively leave the building standing idle and has still not sold it,” he said.

“I am not entirely sure how much it plans on getting for the premises, but the Government will reach the point – or may already have passed it – where it will not even get back what has been spent keeping the place closed.”

He said he had been told by the minister that as there were “multiple sites” to sell, the advice of property professionals was against disposing of each one individually.

“My advice to the Government would be to change its professional property people and get something for the site – rather than sinking good money after bad,” said Mr Davies.

“I don’t see how anyone could say it is better for the taxpayer to keep these buildings than sell them.

“Not only is it a complete waste of money, it is preventing an important town centre building from being regenerated and brought back into use.”

His comments were echoed by Bingley ward councillor John Pennington, deputy leader of the Tory group on Bradford Council.

“This building should have been sold a long time ago,” he said.

“The ministry seems to be a law unto itself and has no regard for the expense of anything. This is money that is coming out of the public purse.”

Bingley Town Council chairman Councillor Ros Dawson said she welcomed any efforts to bring empty buildings back into use.

“Redundant buildings need to be returned to productive use.”

A spokesman for the Government’s courts and tribunal service said the former courthouse was being maintained on the “lowest possible operating costs”.

He added: “We are exploring a number of options for the former Keighley Magistrates’ Court site so we can secure best value for the taxpayer.”

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