The future of a "closure-threatened" library was debated at a heated meeting.

There have been doubts over the future of Bailiff Bridge's library since Calderdale Council identified significant repair needs that would prove costly.

The library came back into focus when Councillor George Robinson (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) presented a motion noting the benefits libraries brought, and calling on the council to agree no community would lose its existing library service.

Coun Robinson said he was concerned that the future of Bailiff Bridge’s library was in doubt, according to a Libraries Review which was taking place.

“I have realised Bailiff Bridge Library is under threat of closure,” he said.

It gave many people access to resources they do not have, said Coun Robinson.

Innovation through technology and housing libraries in other venues could all be looked at, but one of the policy options being considered by Cabinet said the Bailiff Bridge building was at the end of its life, would cost £500,000 to rebuild and other options should be sought.

An amendment to the motion, proposed by Coun Helen Rivron (Lab, Ovenden), praised the council for keeping library services open amid eight years of austerity when other authorities had closed 475 of them.

She said: “They are vital resources for all the community but especially the poorest.”

Calderdale was committed to ensuring services continued across the borough and had successfully invested in a new Central Library for Halifax, refurbished Elland Library and undertaken substantial remedial work at both Brighouse and Todmorden libraries, said her amendment.

Coun Howard Blagbrough (Con, Brighouse) said the council had to be more commercially minded to make money which could fund other things.

“We should be looking to use our buildings more effectively to make some money to put that into the service. Not just libraries but other buildings that are under utilised,” he said.

Deputy Leader of the council, Coun Barry Collins (Lab, Illingworth and Mixenden) said Calderdale had put £2 million into libraries.

“This council has been investing in libraries and protecting library provision. There’s no need for this resolution except pure politics,” he said.

Coun Robinson said Labour’s amendment was “directly from the spin doctors” – and with voting tied at 24-24 it was not approved and Coun Robinson’s original motion was carried.