MAJOR repair and restoration work is to be carried out at Yeadon Town Hall.

The historic building returned to local community control earlier this year when Yeadon Town Hall Community Interest Company (CIC) was granted a 50 year lease by Leeds City Council.

Since taking over management of the 140-year-old building on April 1 the CIC has been working to refurbish key parts of the property, including the main auditorium and the theatre bar.

New lighting and sound equipment, plus a control booth, has also been installed.

The hall also has a considerable backlog of general repairs and maintenance work which needs to be addressed, however - which the city council has agreed, following discussions, to fund and carry out.

A planning application has now been submitted to undertake a range of works that will include:

*Roof repairs, including replacement coverings for flat roofs

*Refurbishment of the hall’s clock and clock tower

*Improvements to internal lighting and the fire alarm system

*Repairs to leaded stained glass, a mosaic floor and to broken cobbles leading to the car park.

Yeadon’s three Liberal Democrat ward Councillors Sandy Lay, Ryk Downes and Colin Campbell have all welcomed the news.

Cllr Lay said: “This is good news indeed.

“When the council handed the building over to the local community company we were concerned that the backlog of repairs and maintenance would be an issue.

“Following detailed discussions the council have agreed to fund major repairs to improve the building.”

Cllr Downes said: “We are particularly happy that works will include a full refurbishment of the clock and clock tower.

“This is a major local landmark and an iconic feature of Yeadon.”

Cllr Campbell added: “The works are extensive and will cause some disruption, but this will mean that the Town Hall can continue to be a focal point for the people of Yeadon for at least another hundred years.”

Hundreds of people attended an open day at the hall, a Grade II Listed building, in April to have a look around and hear about the new management team’s ambitious plans for the property.