CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Otley Civic Centre from being sold off are to approach a television restoration programme.

They believe the popular BBC series presented by Griff Rhys Jones could be interested in taking on the Victorian building as a project.

Councillors, centre users and other town organisations have joined together to fight proposals by the town council to vacate the centre to a new, purpose built building.

Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Independent members of the town council believe it would cost too much to restore the centre and believe a purpose built one would be more practical.

But opposition Labour group members argue that the centre has historical and architectural importance and could never be replaced.

Now, following a meeting of supporters last week, a campaign committee has been formed with the intention of fighting the proposals and making sure the centre remains in public use.

Phil Coyne, acting campaign chairman, said around 30 people including representatives of 12 organisations attended the first campaign meeting.

He said a second meeting would now be held next Wednesday at Otley Civic Centre to discuss fund raising and the way forward.

Mr Coyne said it was important that the campaign was not political and included people from all political parties.

"We want to get as many people involved as possible in this campaign.

"We went around everyone at the meeting and each person said why they valued the centre. People valued it because of its architectural and historical importance and there was also the financial argument.

"The centre has been valued at £600,000 and its best use is its current one. An architect at the meeting said you couldn't even buy a site for that amount of money."

Mr Coyne said people were also keen to point out the centre's long association with the town and that it was so flexible in its uses. "A real concern was that a new building would not have as much accommodation or built on the same scale or quality. There was also a feeling of obligation to future generations."

The committee is now to apply for a BBC restoration pack with the intention of applying for it to be included in a future programme which would see it compete against other potential projects across the country.

Chosen buildings are highlighted on the programme and the winning project, voted by viewers, can receive millions of pounds to carry out restoration.

Mr Coyne said they wanted to explore every possibility of returning the centre, which is actually two buildings, to its original glory.

"There is a very strong feeling in the town that it should be kept and with some care it could be a wonderful building."

l The committee meeting of the Otley Civic Centre Campaign Group at the civic centre on Wednesday is due to start at 7.30pm. It is not a public meeting, but anyone who would like to join the campaign group is welcome.