Civic campaigners hope to hear next month if funding has been secured to draw up a Lottery bid for Ilkley's historic Kings Hall and Winter Gardens.

Bradford Council submitted an application last year for Arts Council money to carry out a feasibility study into how best the Victorian building can be improved.

John Botteley, Bradford Theatres' manager, says he hopes to hear soon if the bid has been successful.

But Ilkley Civic Society chairman Bob Tilley has warned that local people may have to take on the task if the bid falls through.

Mr Tilley said: "I think if the decision is bad news, the emphasis has to be moved to a local level. The people of Ilkley will have to examine the way forward."

He said a trust could be set up to take control of the buildings, with all the regular users of the facilities playing their part.

"It would take a lot of imagination and effort. We are talking a five-year scheme here," he said.

Mr Botteley said he is committed to the venue and understands the frustration of Ilkley residents who felt little progress was being made.

But he said if the Arts Council bid failed, the option of obtaining Lottery Heritage funding would be examined.

He has said he would love to pump cash into the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens but his budget meant he had to perform a difficult juggling act with limited finances.

And he added: "The older the building gets, the more we have to spend to keep still."

Groups using the facilities have complained about the cost of hiring the two venues.

Mr Botteley has defended the charges saying: "The lettings revenue no way covers the cost of keeping that hall open. We receive £46,000 a year. It costs vastly more than that."

He said Bradford Council had approved his recommendations to date.

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