A TRIO of influential Otley groups have thrown their weight behind a bid to re-open the Civic Centre.
Otley Folk Festival, Otley Pub Club and Otley Rugby Club are all backing the Give Otley its Town Hall! campaign, which started in January.
Nearly 500 local residents, businesses and groups have now signed a petition calling on Leeds City Council "to agree to refurbish the front building to restore it to its former use".
The campaigners believe Leeds, as the owner, has a responsibility to fund the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed building - which has been closed since May, 2010 - so it can once again serve the town.
Chairman Tom Featherstone said: "We are delighted Otley Folk Festival have given their backing to the Give Otley its Town Hall! campaign.
"It is great that the town’s biggest annual weekend festival is supporting us."
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