A FRESH initiative is under way to preserve Ilkley's Manor House and broaden its use by the community.
A new group behind the scheme includes former Ilkley MP Ann Cryer and Councillor Brian Mann, chairman of the Ilkley parish council.
Its chairman Sir Rodney Brooke said: "The Manor House is at the heart of Ilkley. It is the most historic building in the district.
"We strongly believe that it should not be sold for private use but should be available for use by the community.
"By combining a cafe with community use - whilst also preserving an exhibition space for some of the town’s most important artefacts - we believe that the Manor House can have a financially sustainable future and will be a wonderful facility for the people of Ilkley.
"We plan to establish a charitable trust to run the Manor House.
"We have put our proposal to Bradford Council culture portfolio holder Susan Hinchcliffe.
"As soon as we hear the decision of the Bradford Council we shall convene a public meeting to put our proposals before the people of Ilkley, to seek their views and to launch a public appeal."
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