A NEW organisation has been set up to try and bring Haworth's recently closed fire station back into use.

The Friends of Haworth Fire Station group was founded at a meeting last night (Jan 14) in the Old Sun pub, in West Lane, Haworth.

The body is to be led by a six-person panel headed by local resident Steve Thorpe. The group is due to meet for the first time next week to formalise its existence.

Last night's meeting was led by councillor John Huxley, who is chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council.

He said the gathering had been "positive and well-attended", adding: "The community now has an opportunity to have a real say in the debate.

"There has also got to be a bigger debate about other buildings and services in the Worth Valley, but now we have a group of people focussing on what happens to the fire station and community fire services.

"It was a very encouraging meeting and this support has emerged from the recent public protests.

"Hopefully the Friends of Haworth Fire Station will be able develop further the work started within the parish council."

Haworth Retained Fire Station was shut on December 31 as part of a programme of major cost-cutting measures initiated by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.