Woodhouse and Spring Bank residents picketed their community centre this week to stop equipment being taken to another estate.

The ten householders forced removal men, who had turned up to take items such as chairs, to leave empty-handed. The gear was due to have been loaned to a Bracken Bank community group while the Woodhouse Road building lay empty. The centre has been closed for several weeks since its volunteer management committee resigned en masse.

Patrick Lawton, Bradford council's Keighley Area Co-ordinator, says the removal aimed to ensure the best use could be made of the equipment. He also feared items could be stolen or vandalised if they remained in an empty building. The centre has been attacked regularly in the past.

But resident Pauline Tyler, who organised the picket, fears once the equipment is loaned to another group it will never be returned to Woodhouse.

She says it is important the centre reopens soon so important activities for pensioners and youngsters can be revived.

Mr Lawton urges concerned residents such as Mrs Tyler to contact him on 01535 618019 so they can play a part in the future of the community centre.

He is currently working with ward councillors, local agencies and other residents to ensure the building reopens for community activities.

Mr Lawton will present a detailed report to Keighley Area Panel next month revealing his plans.

Anyone who wants to get involved or offer their views on the centre should phone Mr Lawton on 618019.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.