A COMMUNITY campaign is being held to save a town hall from closure.

A public meeting is planned so people can have their say about the future of Silsden Town Hall, which is threatened with the axe as part of latest Bradford Council cuts.

And opponents to the move are being urged to make their views known during the budget consultation period.

The public meeting is being held at the town hall in Kirkgate on Monday, January 9, from at 7.30pm.

Behind the initiative is the Friends of Silsden Town Hall, which formed two years ago to promote and support the building after it had undergone a £300,000 facelift.

A campaign committee is already active, ready to distribute petitions, posters and banners and advise people on how they can get involved.

"We are encouraging everyone who cares about the future of this historic community facility to make their views known and become involved in ways large and small," said Friends chairman Ray Colling.

"The town hall, in its prominent spot along Silsden's main street, was officially opened in 1884 as a Mechanics Institute – dedicated to study and culture. Ever since it has played a central role in community life.

"Following the recent modernisation programme which brought the hall up to 21st-century standards, the Friends have worked extremely hard – with great success – to raise the profile of the premises, increase usage by all age groups and organise some spectacular events.

"We therefore feel bitterly disappointed that – under Bradford's current austerity plans – the town hall could be shut down and sold off unless there are volunteers willing to lease, manage and maintain it, a daunting undertaking for such a substantial building.

"To lose our town hall would be a dreadful blow both for the community and for the look, shape and vitality of our high street."

He said the Friends believed that the building "could remain a sustainable feature of Bradford's portfolio" and there was a strong case for its retention as a publicly-held facility.

Mr Colling added: "We urge Bradford to come alongside us and together we can work out a much more positive strategy than the one being proposed."

Among those who have pledged their backing to the campaign are the vicar of St James' Church, Silsden, the Reverend David Griffiths, and town mayor Councillor Peter Robinson.

Bradford Council – which is looking to slash £82 million from its budget by 2020 – is proposing that the town hall and several other community buildings in the district be shut unless community groups take over ownership. Other facilities under threat include public toilets and libraries.

The Council's consultation runs until February 12.