A TRUST could be formed to keep open a threatened village hall.

The option is being investigated by campaigners fighting Bradford Council plans to hive off Holden Hall at Oakworth.

The premises, on the main road through the village, are among seven halls district-wide that the cash-strapped Council wants community groups to take on.

But City Hall bosses have warned that if no-one steps forward, the buildings will shut.

The Holden Hall User Group is staging an open day at the premises from 10am to 4pm on Saturday to show what provision is on offer and to gather views from villagers.

The recently-redecorated hall is home to a wide range of groups and activities.

Among them are Oakworth Scouts and Guides, who are distributing leaflets to help promote the open day.

Robert Payne, from the Scout group, fears it could fold if the hall closes.

He and other users of the building are considering transferring it to a new trust if Bradford Council’s budget proposals are passed.

“We work with nearly 100 young people in Oakworth and we need that hall space to keep them involved with something positive – no other building can offer anything like it,” said Mr Payne.

“Other people who regularly use the hall will also struggle if we can’t keep it open.

“A few of us are working on the idea of a village hall trust so we can really develop the place and increase its use – but we are going to need a bit of support from a lot of people locally.

“That starts with just dropping in at the open day to see how the hall is looking and what it can be used for.

“We’ve got lots of suggestions and we want to sound them out with other people, as well as collect ideas from the public.”

Slimming World is among other groups which use the hall.

Consultant Andrea Astin said: “Slimming World has run there for almost 15 years. There is nowhere that holds so many people in the village and it would be an absolute travesty if it were to close.”

Her comments were echoed by Gemma Gallagher, of the mothers and toddlers’ group.

“Mums and their toddlers come to the village hall regularly on a Tuesday to use our group and enjoy spending time with other parents and carers while their children mix and play together,” she said.

“The group is very busy and offers a social environment for babies and pre-school-age children. It is a wonderful asset for the village and the surrounding area.”

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