A campaigning pensioner has welcomed Bradford Council leader's decision to consider bidding to buy the historic birthplace of the Brontes in Thornton.

John Jessop, 73, who lives in the village, has written numerous letters to the Council and other bodies, trying to encourage them to take an interest in the Grade II listed terrace property in Market Street, which is to be auctioned next Monday.

The four-bedroom house - where Charlotte, Emily and Anne were born along with their brother Branwell - has been run as a museum for the last few years.

Council leader Kris Hopkins has been reported as saying that the authority is now considering all options, including becoming a bidder, to preserve what he described as a treasure for the district.

Retired sales director Mr Jessop said: "This, of course, is good news as far as I'm concerned and it does make up for my disappointment, after writing to the leader of the Council, various councillors, the Lord Mayor and Council heads of department and getting only one response back.

"This is exactly what we want to happen. If the Council buys it then it will feel obliged to improve the area of Thornton."

"Unlike Haworth, many people don't even know there is a Bronte connection here in Thornton."

Leeds auctioneers Eddisons has put a £200,000 guide price on the house which will go under the hammer in the Banqueting Suite at Leeds United football ground in Elland Road.

The house, built in 1802, was home until 1820 to Patrick Bronte, his wife Maria, their daughters Maria and Elizabeth and their more famous siblings, Charlotte, Emily, Anne and and the wayward son, Branwell.

Tradition has it that the literary children were born in the dining room - Charlotte in 1816, Branwell in 1817, Emily Jane in 1818 and Anne in 1820.

The Bronte family moved to Haworth Parsonage in 1820, a building which is now a museum dedicated to their literary works.

The Thornton property has been owned in recent years by Barbara Whitehead, who has written numerous books including one about the lifelong friendship between Charlotte Bronte and Ellen Nussey. She restored the property into a place which would have been recognised by the Bronte family.

Now, due to ill health, she is having to retire from her work and sell the house.

Anthony Webber, of Eddisons, said: "We have had some interest, but I can't disclose more because of the level of confidence in auctions."

Mr Webber said he was hopeful of a sale.

"We still only have one offer," he said. "I think most people are waiting for the auction to see what will happen then, so I suppose we will just wait until Monday."

e-mail: ali.davies @bradford.newsquest.co.uk l Comment - Page 10